On June 14th, 2024, Smart Technologies proudly partnered with Fortinet to host an enlightening and hands-on workshop titled “Empowering Your Network Security & Performance with Fortinet FortiGate.” Held in our state-of-the-art lab in Malta, this workshop attracted a diverse group of IT professionals eager to enhance their network security skills and gain a deeper understanding of Fortinet’s cutting-edge solutions.

Smart Technologies and Fortinet: A Partnership for Excellence

As a trusted Fortinet partner in Malta, Smart Technologies is committed to providing our clients with top-tier network security solutions. Our partnership with Fortinet allows us to deliver unparalleled expertise and support, ensuring our clients’ networks are secure, resilient, and optimized for performance.

Workshop Overview: Engaging Sessions and Hands-On Learning

The workshop was designed to be highly interactive, offering participants an opportunity to engage directly with Fortinet’s advanced technologies. Here’s a detailed look at the key sessions and the benefits participants gained:

Introduction to Fortinet and FortiGate

The day began with a comprehensive introduction to Fortinet and its flagship product, FortiGate. Attendees learned about the robust features and benefits of FortiGate, including its role in fortifying network security and enhancing performance. John Spiteri, our Head of Networks, provided insights into how Fortinet’s security fabric integrates seamlessly with existing network infrastructures, offering a unified security solution that addresses modern cyber threats.

Deployment Scenarios: Tailoring FortiGate to Your Needs

Next, the focus shifted to FortiGate deployment scenarios. Participants explored various configurations, from standalone and high-availability setups to virtual environments using FortiCloud and Virtual Domains (Vdoms). This session emphasized the flexibility of FortiGate, demonstrating how it can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different network environments, including data centers and service providers.

Security Policies and VPN Configuration

One of the critical aspects of network security is the ability to implement and manage robust security policies. This session delved into configuring security policies for firewall rules and setting up VPN configurations using IPSec and SSL VPN. Participants also learned about the integration of two-factor authentication (2FA) through FortiTokens or Azure, which is essential for ensuring secure access across the network.

Web Filtering and Application Control

In today’s digital landscape, controlling web access and managing application usage are vital for maintaining a secure and efficient network. This session covered the implementation of web filtering policies and application control on FortiGate. Attendees were shown how to use FortiGate NGFW to block malicious content, manage network traffic, and protect sensitive data, thereby enhancing user experience and network security.

SD-WAN: Streamlining Network Performance

The benefits of Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) with FortiGate were highlighted in this session. Participants discovered how SD-WAN can optimize and secure network traffic, providing a seamless and resilient connection across multiple locations. The session covered key SD-WAN concepts and the integration of FortiGate in enhancing network performance and reliability.

Hands-On Sessions: Practical Application

The workshop culminated in hands-on sessions where participants could apply what they had learned. This practical approach allowed attendees to configure FortiGate devices in a controlled environment, gaining deeper visibility into their capabilities and reinforcing their understanding of the integrated approach to network security.

Benefits for Participants

Participants left the workshop with a wealth of knowledge and practical skills that they can apply directly to their work environments. They learned how to:

• Deploy and manage FortiGate devices effectively in various network scenarios.
• Implement advanced security policies to safeguard their networks against cyber threats.
• Optimize network performance with SD-WAN and manage application control to enhance user experience.
• Protect sensitive data and ensure secure access through VPN configurations and two-factor authentication.
• Gain deeper visibility and control over their network, facilitating a robust security posture and efficient network traffic management.

Integrating Fortinet’s Advanced Technologies

Fortinet’s dedication to innovation and excellence was evident throughout the workshop. Participants were introduced to Fortinet’s comprehensive range of solutions, including:

• Next-generation firewalls that offer expansive protection against evolving cyber threats.
• Fortinet Security Fabric, which provides an integrated security framework across the entire network.
• FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s dedicated threat research organization, which delivers real-time threat intelligence and endpoint detection.
• Zero trust architecture, ensuring secure access service edge (SASE) and network access control.

These technologies underscore Fortinet’s commitment to providing robust network security solutions that address the challenges of today’s digital acceleration and expanding attack surface.

Looking Ahead: Continuous Learning and Innovation

Smart Technologies remains committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Our collaboration with Fortinet enables us to bring the latest advancements in cybersecurity solutions to our clients in Malta and beyond. We look forward to hosting more events that empower our clients to enhance their network security and performance.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in the workshop and to Fortinet for their unwavering support and partnership. Together, we are paving the way for a more secure and resilient digital future.

Stay tuned for more updates and events from Smart Technologies. Your journey to mastering network security and performance starts here!