Skip to main content

Help us improve the Digital Marketplace - send your feedback

Softcat Limited

Fortinet - Zero-Trust Network Access Control and IoT Security

Network Access Control (NAC) is a critical component in the modern-day network. NAC offers organisations the ability to deploy Zero Trust Network Solutions, Secure SD Branch Deployments and ensure IoT, BYOD and user devices are profiled, only allowed to access approved resources and periodically reviewed for compliance.

Features

  • Public, private, SaaS and Container based deployment options

Benefits

  • Protect web facing applications, containers and APIs from attacks

Pricing

£961.67 a unit

  • Free trial available

Service documents

Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at psitq@softcat.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

7 9 1 3 8 7 0 4 7 2 3 8 6 5 0

Contact

Softcat Limited Charles Harrison
Telephone: 01628 403403
Email: psitq@softcat.com

Service scope

Service constraints
The service is limited to Fortinet products on supported platforms, as published by Fortinet on respective datasheets.
System requirements
  • Virtual machines require a minimum resource allocation.
  • Some clouds are unsupported by some products (See Datasheet)
  • Some features are dependent on license (See Datasheet)

User support

Email or online ticketing support
Email or online ticketing
Support response times
Technical Assistance Centre (TAC), which is staffed with customer service, technical support and hardware engineers and is available on a 24x7x365 day basis.

Response times are defined by ticket priority:

P1 – 24x7x365 – 1 Hour Response Time
P2 – 8x5 – 1 Hour Response Time
P3 – 8x5 – Next Business Day Response Time
P4 – 8x5 – 2 Business Days Response Time
User can manage status and priority of support tickets
Yes
Online ticketing support accessibility
None or don’t know
Phone support
Yes
Phone support availability
24 hours, 7 days a week
Web chat support
Web chat
Web chat support availability
24 hours, 7 days a week
Web chat support accessibility standard
None or don’t know
How the web chat support is accessible
Web chat is accessed through the Support Portal. The support portal is a public facing website which contains access to our Online Help Desk , Web Chat and documentation such as setup guides, videos and forums. As Fortinet is a North American based company, all development for accessible systems follows US guidance.
Web chat accessibility testing
Not Known / Not Tracked.
Onsite support
Yes, at extra cost
Support levels
Standard Account Management support hours are 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday. We provide an Account Management function for all Public Sector clients. Our Account Managers endeavour to respond to requests as quickly as possible and are supported by a team of System Engineers to offer technical advice and scoping before and during purchase.

After purchase, technical support is as per price list.

Hands-on assistance & professional services by engineers is available outside of break-fix on paid time and materials basis defined by a Scope of Work.
Support available to third parties
Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

Getting started
Extensive online documentation for the configuration, management, integration and compatibility is available publicly and via the support website. Documentation is available in HTML format and downloadable PDF. Videos are also available for basic setup of the vast majority of products.

Furthermore, industry recognised certifications are available for IT administrators that teach features, configuration and management techniques for the products.

On-site training is available via Professional Services.
Service documentation
Yes
Documentation formats
  • HTML
  • PDF
  • Other
Other documentation formats
Browser-based video
End-of-contract data extraction
No data is held outside of the users organisation / chosen location for storage. After the contracted licensing period ends the user may extract any retained syslogs via the web interface. Support portal accounts can be deleted upon request.
End-of-contract process
Once the licensing period ends, the virtual machines will continue to operate. The user will lose access to support services (TAC) along with updates to features including, but not limited to Firmware, database updates for IP Reputation, attack signatures, OWASP Top 10 updates, AI updates. Users have the option to extract configurations and logs for retention / re-use.

Should the customer unsubscribe from the FortiWeb SaaS service, Fortinet will retain the configuration and any associated data for a period of sixty (60) minutes, after which all data will be permanently deleted.

Using the service

Web browser interface
Yes
Using the web interface
Once the virtual machine is provisioned into the cloud environment, administrators have complete control of features and configuration for the virtual machine. All common and frequently used features are available through the web interface (GUI), along with remote access to the Command Line Interface (CLI) where lesser used or niche features can be configured.

The Web Interface allows for the configuration and on-going management of the virtual machine, along with access to remote, system events and log information.
Web interface accessibility standard
None or don’t know
How the web interface is accessible
N/A
Web interface accessibility testing
Not Known / Not Tracked.
API
Yes
What users can and can't do using the API
REST API is supported for the configuration & monitoring of Virtual Machines.
Most administration and configuration functions are available through REST API. Some limitation exist for certain Virtual Machines. Therefore, if the user is looking to integrate through API it is recommended they consult their Account Manager / TAC.
API automation tools
  • Ansible
  • OpenStack
  • Other
Other API automation tools
Any Automation tools that support JSON API
API documentation
Yes
API documentation formats
  • HTML
  • PDF
  • Other
Command line interface
Yes
Command line interface compatibility
  • Linux or Unix
  • Windows
  • MacOS
Using the command line interface
Configuration of the FNAC appliance should be undertaken using either REST API or the GUI as best practice. CLI access to the NAC and underlying Operating System is best served for troubleshooting and initial deployment of the FNAC VM.

Scaling

Scaling available
Yes
Scaling type
Manual
Independence of resources
Services are built within customer cloud ecosystem with no external dependencies on our infrastructure. Central signatures and updates may be cached to eliminate dependency on update servers.
Usage notifications
Yes
Usage reporting
  • API
  • Email
  • Other
Other usage reporting
As per service description

Analytics

Infrastructure or application metrics
Yes
Metrics types
  • CPU
  • Disk
  • Memory
  • Network
  • Number of active instances
  • Other
Other metrics
  • Authenticated users by type
  • Authenticated devices
  • Inventory, customised reports
Reporting types
  • API access
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Regular reports
  • Reports on request

Resellers

Supplier type
Reseller (no extras)
Organisation whose services are being resold
Fortinet

Staff security

Staff security clearance
Other security clearance
Government security clearance
Up to Developed Vetting (DV)

Asset protection

Knowledge of data storage and processing locations
Yes
Data storage and processing locations
  • European Economic Area (EEA)
  • Other locations
User control over data storage and processing locations
No
Datacentre security standards
Managed by a third party
Penetration testing frequency
At least once a year
Penetration testing approach
Another external penetration testing organisation
Protecting data at rest
  • Physical access control, complying with another standard
  • Encryption of all physical media
  • Other
Other data at rest protection approach
All critical assets, along with data considered to be personal under GDPR or other international laws is encrypted at rest and at backup using cryptography techniques. Any transit of data is done cryptographically. Data is stored in secure datacentres with physical access control mechanisms, CCTV, badge entry systems and security guards. Furthermore, access to Fortinet global offices are controlled via physical access control mechanisms, CCTV, badge entry systems and security guards.
Data sanitisation process
Yes
Data sanitisation type
  • Explicit overwriting of storage before reallocation
  • Deleted data can’t be directly accessed
  • Hardware containing data is completely destroyed
Equipment disposal approach
A third-party destruction service

Backup and recovery

Backup and recovery
Yes
What’s backed up
  • Configuration
  • Database
Backup controls
Users can take backup copies of the configurations via the Web Interface or CLI.
Datacentre setup
Multiple datacentres with disaster recovery
Scheduling backups
Users schedule backups through a web interface
Backup recovery
Users can recover backups themselves, for example through a web interface

Data-in-transit protection

Data protection between buyer and supplier networks
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • Other
Other protection between networks
Customers have the option of using Cloud based analytics or Sandboxing.in the event these options are chosen, data-in-transit is encrypted using SSL end-to-end.

Data transfer between update servers and the virtual machines is completed via SSL end-to-end.
Data protection within supplier network
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • Other
Other protection within supplier network
Customers have the option of using Cloud based analytics or Sandboxing.in the event these options are chosen, data-in-transit is encrypted using SSL end-to-end.

Data transfer between update servers and the virtual machines is completed via SSL end-to-end.

Availability and resilience

Guaranteed availability
As Fortinet are providing individual virtual machines, no formal SLA is offered with regards to platform uptime as this would dependent on the end-user or a third-party cloud-provider.
Approach to resilience
Datacentre infrastructure is used to provide updates to signature databases and in some cases (where the customer chooses) process files or emails for zero-day threats or spam. Fortinet have a global network of highly available datacentres, which are used to push updates or provide services. Utilisation of these service is done via a 'closest regional model'. However, should Fortinet lose a region the service will automatically default to the next available region, unless the user opts out.
Outage reporting
Individual virtual machines can report errors and outages through various means (including, API, Email, Web Interface, SNMP).

In the event of an error to fetch an update, the local system will report this failure via the above methods. Service Status of the datacentre is available publicly on Fortiguard.com

Identity and authentication

User authentication
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google apps)
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password
  • Other
Other user authentication
Adminstrators who access the Virtual Machine(s) are authenticated against Username & Password set by the customers administrator.
Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels
Management access to the Virtual Machines is controlled by the customer. Options for limiting access include static accounts, using username & password, LDAP integration, Trusted Host access via specific subnet or IP.
Access restriction testing frequency
Never
Management access authentication
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password
  • Other
Description of management access authentication
Management access to the Virtual Machines is controlled by the customer. Options for limiting access include static accounts, using username & password, LDAP integration, Trusted Host access via specific subnet or IP.
Devices users manage the service through
  • Dedicated device on a segregated network (providers own provision)
  • Dedicated device on a government network (for example PSN)
  • Dedicated device over multiple services or networks
  • Any device but through a bastion host (a bastion host is a server that provides access to a private network from an external network such as the internet)
  • Directly from any device which may also be used for normal business (for example web browsing or viewing external email)

Audit information for users

Access to user activity audit information
No audit information available
Access to supplier activity audit information
No audit information available
How long system logs are stored for
Less than 1 month

Standards and certifications

ISO/IEC 27001 certification
No
ISO 28000:2007 certification
No
CSA STAR certification
No
PCI certification
No
Cyber essentials
No
Cyber essentials plus
No
Other security certifications
Yes
Any other security certifications
  • Common Criteria (CC)
  • Department of Defense UC APL - USA
  • ISO 9001:2015 - Canada R&D offices

Security governance

Named board-level person responsible for service security
Yes
Security governance certified
Yes
Security governance standards
  • ISO/IEC 27001
  • Other
Other security governance standards
As Fortinet is a US Company, it complies with all relevant requirements as part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework.
Information security policies and processes
Compliance enforcement, testing and planning is managed by the global-infosec team. The team consists of multiple areas that control specific assets, roles and data within the business. All teams report into their respective managers, who in turn report to the global Vice President for Corporate Information Security (VP-CIS). The VP then in turn reports into the CISO and ultimately the board.

Fortinet ensure policies are followed through a mixture of methods. The global workforce has mandatory best-practice and policy training once a quarter to ensure they are reminded and aware of the nature of their responsibility to keep Fortinet secure from breach. There are also policies in place that allow for reporting of actual or suspected violation of any security policies, either directly to the global-infosec team or via an anonymised ‘whistle-blower’ method.

Operational security

Configuration and change management standard
Supplier-defined controls
Configuration and change management approach
Fortinet maintain an asset management inventory, which houses a log of the versions of software/firmware currently in use within internal systems. Configurations on all critical systems are backed up daily with changes logged in the system. All changes to internal configurations or assets are done within a pre-designed change window (excluding emergency changes) and are subject to a Change Approval Process before being implemented.

Policies dictate that any critical changes to internal infrastructure, such as major redesigns or updates, are subject to security and technical review, along with a vulnerability assessment and penetration test, if applicable.
Vulnerability management type
Supplier-defined controls
Vulnerability management approach
The Threat Management Programme proactively governs threats that include the identification, assessment and remediation of threats to Fortinet’s systems, data and business processes.

This is done through the implementation of The Threat Awareness Programme, Integration of Threat Intelligence Feeds and Insider Threat Programme, including education. Potential threats are found using a combination of new intelligence from threat feeds but also through reporting via internal Fortinet staff or third parties.
Protective monitoring type
Supplier-defined controls
Protective monitoring approach
Potential compromises to the Fortinet internal systems are found through the Threat Management Programme. New vulnerabilities may be discovered through amended penetration testing methods from discovered vulnerabilities through the Threat Feeds, or via the Security Operations Centre.

If a compromise is found a dedicated internal team is mobilised to review the compromise and remediate against it. This follows a pre-defined Incident Response Plan. The Security team aim to isolate and remediate threats as soon as possible after they have been discovered.
Incident management type
Supplier-defined controls
Incident management approach
Fortinet have a defined Incident Response Operation Policy (IRO). IRO encompasses a defined policy for how users report actual or suspected cybersecurity incidents, along with root cause analysis and lessons learnt procedure. Furthermore, the document includes an Incident Response Plan (IRP), defining how Fortinet security staff and IT respond to actual or suspected cybersecurity incidents.

Secure development

Approach to secure software development best practice
Supplier-defined process

Separation between users

Virtualisation technology used to keep applications and users sharing the same infrastructure apart
No

Energy efficiency

Energy-efficient datacentres
Yes
Description of energy efficient datacentres
Climate change continues to pose a significant threat, and all business and public organizations around the globe must do their part to address it. Further to efforts in its own operations, Fortinet is focused on reducing the environmental footprint of its customers by innovating highly efficient, integrated appliances and cloud-based security solutions

Social Value

Social Value

Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

Fighting climate change

Softcat are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and actively promoting sustainability. Our commitment to sustainability is a core aspect of our business strategy, driving us to innovate and lead in the creation of a more sustainable future for our company and the communities we serve. This commitment is embedded in our policies, operating procedures, and training programs.

We are proud to be the first FTSE 250 company to be awarded 5-star status in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

We aim to achieve a Carbon Net-Zero Value Circle by 2040 by prioritising renewable energy, reducing natural resource use, minimising waste, and safeguarding biodiversity in compliance with environmental legislation.

At Softcat, we have taken significant steps towards securing renewable energy across our organisation, reducing our scope 1 & 2 emissions. We had the target of using 100% Renewable Energy across all our locations by 2024. We successfully delivered against this target ~2 years early.

In May 2023 we took delivery of 15 electric vehicles, replacing all existing fossil-fuelled company cars used by employees for business means. The implementation of the EV pool fleet will see a saving of over 80 tons of CO2e per year. A huge impact on our Net Zero targets.

Tackling economic inequality

As a value-add reseller, Softcat outsources the products, services, and solutions through our extensive network of partners, to best suit the needs of our broad client base. We always consider and promote SMEs and local providers where appropriate, particularly for the products and services we offer via the G Cloud framework.

We remain dedicated to improving employability and educational awareness across schools, colleges, and universities to help break down the barriers to joining technology organisations.

We work collaboratively with many schools that are close in proximity to our offices, to ensure we are actively supporting the community as well as schools from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We visit the schools to talk about the IT sector and the roles in our organisation, as well as promoting work-experience opportunities during the summer. In particular, we actively encourage students from diverse backgrounds to engage in work experience to appreciate the roles available in our sector.

For ambitious school and college leavers, a Softcat Apprenticeship is a great first step into the world of work, with 94% of our apprentices offered a permanent position at Softcat post apprenticeships, which goes to show the amazing opportunity available with us.

We were ranked 1st in IT & Consultancy, and 10th overall in by RateMyApprenticeship.com - Best 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2023-2024 list.

Softcat now also offer 12 month paid internships to University students looking to complete a year in industry as part of their undergraduate studies.

Equal opportunity

Our approach to diversity and inclusion is introduced first during our induction training, as part of our Softcat values, outlining responsibility to uphold our principles. This message is reinforced by our process and policies, networks, Allyship Training and Inclusion Awareness campaigns.

Softcat supports diversity and inclusion through various networks including:
- Supporting Women in Business (SWIB)
- The Ethnic and Cultural Network
- The Pride Network
- The Family Network
- The Empowering Disability and Neurodiversity Network (EDN)
- The Faith at Work Network
- Armed Forces & Veterans Network
These networks aim to create a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or family commitments.

Our allyship programme, Stronger Together, is a mixture of event and workshop-based training available to all staff. Programme topics include, bias, power, privilege, and being a greater ally.

Inclusion Awareness campaigns include race, disability, sexual orientation, gender, faith, and caring responsibilities. These sessions highlight and celebrate minority groups, through panel sessions, Q&A sessions and training, providing an opportunity to discuss and understand ways to be more inclusive.

Our efforts to improve diversity and inclusion have been incredibly successful. Since 2020, the number of female employees below management level has increased to 35%, and the number of ethnic minority employees rose to 17%.

Wellbeing

At Softcat, all employees are provided with access to our multidimensional wellbeing programme which includes flexible work arrangements, free nutritious breakfast, mental health support, employee benefits scheme, health and wellbeing week activities, and online workshops.

Giving back to the community is an innate part of who we are as a company. All Softcat employees are therefore given two volunteer days per year to support a charitable or community cause.

Each of our 10 regional offices also support local charities through fundraising, donations and events. For example, our Manchester office has raised over £30,000 for the WeLoveMCR charity. This funding has supported young, disadvantaged Manchester citizens in gaining qualifications to broaden their work opportunities and supporting local groups in delivering indispensable services that enable community cohesion.

Pricing

Price
£961.67 a unit
Discount for educational organisations
No
Free trial available
Yes
Description of free trial
Free trails of Fortinet products are available on request from both Fortinet and Fortinet Partner Sales Teams. Trials are typically time limited to 30 days. Full functionality is supplied as part of a trial period.

Service documents

Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at psitq@softcat.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.