Secure Branch Networking with Fortinet SD-Branch

Today’s organisations are no longer operating in one physical location using a single system. Your customers are undoubtedly leveraging the benefits of the ongoing digital transformation with rapidly adopted applications and a hybrid workforce.

In light of this growth, organisations are discovering the increasing complexities of branch networks which may expose them to the risk of attack. As a result, some businesses implement multiple point products to address these risks.  

However, the fact is that this approach can complicate branch infrastructures, creating new vulnerabilities and increasing costs. Recent studies show 21% of organisations have experienced a data breach once a month over the past year.  

The likelihood is that the rapid adoption of digital technologies, including IoT devices and SaaS applications, has increased the number of network edges that need to be secured within any branch.  

Are your customers safeguarding branch networks? 

If your customer has integrated branches into their network, it’s possible that the use of relatively new tools and technologies will have an intensifying impact on their network as a whole.  

With both remote and local users accessing cloud and SaaS applications, the WAN (wide area network) and LAN (local area network) expand the number of network edges that need to be fortified, resulting in a complex scenario which requires more potent protection.  

Customers may also notice the influence of numerous IoT devices appearing on their network, such as connected office appliances, climate and lighting controls or door security systems. All of these products create vulnerability risk and reduce clear visibility across the network.  

How Fortinet SD-Branch protects customer networks 

Fortinet SD-Branch builds on existing Fortinet foundations as it expands this broad, integrated network security approach to align with the new network edges created by IoT device proliferation.  

Put simply, Fortinet SD-Branch delivers unrivalled performance reliability while providing centralised control and visibility across the entire branch attack surface.  

Customers may want to know that SD-Branch consolidates networking and security capabilities into a single solution that: 

• Provides seamless protection of distributed environments. 

• Covers all critical branch exposures including the spectrum of endpoint devices. 

• Extends Fortinet Secure SD-WAN capabilities across wired and wireless networks. 

• Simplifies branch infrastructure management. 

Fortinet SD-Branch is different as it enables secure networking using the FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and broader Fortinet Security Fabric architecture to extend security throughout the network access layer, including distributed branches.  

What do your customers need to know about Fortinet SD-Branch? 

Using the foundation of the Fortinet security-driven networking philosophy, SD-Branch integrates networking services into the security infrastructure through FortiOS, the FortiGate operating system.  

This ensures that customers benefit from: 

1. A common management platform and integrated security with increased Ethernet switch, WLAN interface, and LTE/5G backhaul control.  

2. FortiLink technology that communicates with switch or wireless platforms and requires no additional licences.  

3. Converged security in distributed branches delivered by Fortinet Security Fabric.  

For extended protection to the device edge, built-in Zero Trust features in the FortiOS operating system allow for secure onboarding of devices and additional real-time auditing of device behaviour is also available with FortiNAC. 

How Fortinet SD-Branch helps your business 

Providing your customers with solutions that make a measurable difference to their network security can transform your business with stronger client relationships. 

Customers are experiencing uncertainty with rapid technological developments that influence their networks and may impact revenues.  

With increased product expertise, you can offer them robust network security and reassurance of protected distributed branches with Fortinet SD-Branch.  

Why not talk to your dedicated Arrow Fortinet team and find out more about Fortinet SD-Branch? 

Discover how you can help your customers feel more secure while expanding your business capabilities.