diff --git a/public/images/blog/ssl-vpn-wireguard-migration-hero.png b/public/images/blog/ssl-vpn-wireguard-migration-hero.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4c3e063 Binary files /dev/null and b/public/images/blog/ssl-vpn-wireguard-migration-hero.png differ diff --git a/src/content/blog/migrate-fortinet-ssl-vpn-to-wireguard.mdx b/src/content/blog/migrate-fortinet-ssl-vpn-to-wireguard.mdx new file mode 100644 index 0000000..736aa46 --- /dev/null +++ b/src/content/blog/migrate-fortinet-ssl-vpn-to-wireguard.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,297 @@ +--- +title: "A Strategic Migration Path from SSL VPN to WireGuard®" +seoTitle: "Migrating from Fortinet SSL VPN to WireGuard: The Enterprise Guide" +description: "Does FortiGate support WireGuard? Native support is missing, and FortiOS 7.6.3 removes SSL VPN. Learn how to migrate to a self-hosted WireGuard solution as your modern alternative." +slug: "fortigate-wireguard-migration" +author: "Piotr Borkowicz" +publishDate: 2025-12-08 +image: "/images/blog/ssl-vpn-wireguard-migration-hero.png" +--- + +![A Strategic Migration Path from SSL VPN to WireGuard®](/images/blog/ssl-vpn-wireguard-migration-hero.png) + +## Table of Contents +- [A Strategic Migration Path from SSL VPN to WireGuard®](#a-strategic-migration-path-from-ssl-vpn-to-wireguard) +- [The Missing Layer: Data Plane vs. Control Plane](#the-missing-layer-data-plane-vs-control-plane) +- [Choosing a WireGuard-Based Remote-Access Solution](#choosing-a-wireguard-based-remote-access-solution) +- [Enabling Transition from SSL VPN to Defguard](#enabling-transition-from-ssl-vpn-to-defguard) +- [Summary](#summary) +- [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)](#frequently-asked-questions-faq) + +With [Fortinet deprecating SSL VPN support](https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortigate/7.6.4/fortios-release-notes/173430/ssl-vpn-tunnel-mode-replaced-with-ipsec-vpn) and lacking native WireGuard® remote access capabilities, relying on TCP-based tunneling is becoming increasingly difficult to justify. As detailed in our [previous analysis](/blog/ssl-vpn-performance-protocol-problem/), SSL VPNs carry inherent transport limitations, including latency overhead and the risk of TCP-over-TCP meltdown. + +Transitioning to a UDP-based protocol like WireGuard® resolves these transport-layer deficiencies, effectively eliminating session drops during network roaming. However, WireGuard® serves purely as a Data Plane protocol; it is not a standalone replacement for an enterprise VPN because it lacks the necessary identity and access management controls out of the box. + +## The Missing Layer: Data Plane vs. Control Plane + +The Data Plane defines how packets are encapsulated, encrypted, and routed. WireGuard® operates on a principle of "cryptographic identity," recognizing only public keys and allowed IP addresses. + +**What WireGuard® lacks by design:** + +- **User Identity:** It cannot distinguish between "Alice" and "Bob," only between Key A and Key B. +- **Authentication State:** It does not support MFA, session timeouts, or login flows. +- **Central Policy:** It has no native concept of user groups, roles, or audit logs. + +Replacing a corporate VPN requires a complete Security Stack that integrates Identity, Policy, and Orchestration. Therefore, the migration challenge is not merely adopting a new protocol, but selecting a Control Plane Platform that bridges WireGuard® with the organization's Identity Provider (IdP) and enforces compliance. + +The next section categorizes these platforms and compares their differences side-by-side. + +## Choosing a WireGuard-Based Remote-Access Solution + +Migration is fundamentally a topology decision. To replace a traditional VPN Gateway effectively, one must choose a platform that aligns with the organization's control requirements. Solutions generally fall into two categories: + +**Gateway-Centric Platforms:** These follow a structured traffic model where traffic flows through defined Gateways. Unlike legacy monolithic VPNs, modern Gateway-Centric solutions allow for distributed ingress points. However, they retain a clear enforcement point for authentication, MFA, policy evaluation, and traffic inspection. This allows organizations to maintain auditability and access control similar to a firewall-based VPN. + +**Peer-to-Peer Overlay Networks (Mesh/P2P):** Traffic flows directly between devices (mesh), bypassing a central gateway. While policy is defined centrally via a coordination server, it is enforced locally on each device. This offers lower latency but decentralized traffic inspection. + +The table below categorizes these platforms based on their enterprise capabilities: + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
CategoryDefguardTailscaleNetBirdWG Easy
VPN ArchitectureGateway-Centric (Multi-Site). Structured access via Gateways.Peer-to-peer overlayPeer-to-peer overlaySingle-node WireGuard® server
Control PlaneSelf-hosted / on-prem Control PlaneSaaS (hosted by vendor)Self-hosted or vendor-hostedLocal web UI only
Data PlaneWireGuard® connections between devices and VPN gatewaysP2P WireGuard® tunnels + DERP relays if neededWireGuard® P2P Encrypted TunnelsWireGuard® tunnels to single node
Identity Provider IntegrationBuilt-in IdP/SSO + External (OIDC/LDAP)Only External IdP (OIDC/SAML)Only External IdP (OIDC)None
MFA EnforcementInternal MFA for full privacy on connection (TOTP, email code, biometrics, PSK) + External IdP basedOnly external IdP-based: Enforced at SSO login. No per-tunnel MFA challenge.Only external IdP-based: Enforced at SSO login.None
Policy ModelUser/group policies at gateway + ACLs on firewallDistributed ACLs (pushed to endpoints)Distributed ACLs (pushed to endpoints)Peer list only
Access Segmentation ModelNetwork-level segmentation enforced by ACL / firewall moduleIdentity-based micro-segmentationZero-trust micro-segmentationBasic routing only (no centralized policy or segmentation layer).
Open-Source StatusOpen-source core + open codeClosed-source Coordination Server (SaaS) onlyOpen-sourceOpen-source
Primary Use CaseEnterprise remote-access with centralised identity, MFA and policy enforcementDevs / Multi-cloud mesh connectivityZero-trust overlay networksSimple WG VPN server
Firewall SupportLinux, OPNsense, Mikrotik (Native support)Linux, OPNsense (Plugin), pfSense (Plugin)Linux, OPNsenseNone
+
+ +The table shows that mesh-style tools focus on peer-to-peer connectivity, whereas a platform like Defguard preserves the functional model of a remote-access VPN gateway. + +## Enabling Transition from SSL VPN to Defguard + +For organisations that operate remote access through SSL-based VPNs from vendors such as Fortinet (FortiGate VPN), Cisco (AnyConnect) or SonicWall, moving to a different transport protocol is not only a matter of changing the transport technology. + +These deployments often depend on a set of Control Plane capabilities that security teams rely on: + +- **RBAC (Role-Based Access Control):** Mapping network access to user roles, not just IP addresses. +- **Authentication State:** Enforcing MFA and session validity. +- **Directory Integration:** Syncing with Active Directory/LDAP/OIDC rather than managing static peer lists. +- **Auditability:** Centralized logging of who accessed what and when. +- **Topology:** Maintaining a Gateway-Centric architecture, which provides a clear point for traffic inspection and firewalling. + +Defguard provides these functions by adding an identity and policy layer on top of WireGuard®, enabling administrators to maintain the operational model they rely on today while adopting a modern transport protocol: + +- Fully self-hosted, no dependency on vendor hardware and operating system +- User and group management with built-in IdP and SSO +- Integration with external IdP/SSO provider: LDAP / AD or cloud based Entra ID, Google, Okta +- MFA enforced at connection level (TOTP, email codes, biometrics) +- VPN clients for all platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android) with configuration synchronization multi instance handling + +These capabilities allow organisations to adopt WireGuard® for remote access without losing identity integration, MFA, policy enforcement or centralised access control. At the same time, Defguard reduces operational overhead by providing a unified management interface and simplified provisioning workflows. + +For administrators, the practical benefit is a remote-access setup that requires less manual intervention, produces fewer reconnect-related issues and is easier to maintain at scale, while end users experience a faster and more stable connection due to the properties of the WireGuard® transport. + +## Summary + +Defguard combines WireGuard®'s transport performance with the functions required to manage enterprise remote access consistently: user and group management, built-in or external IdP integration, MFA at connection time, policy enforcement and auditable access. + +If your organization is facing the mandatory migration from Fortinet SSL VPN or dealing with legacy client instability, it gives you a stable, modern upgrade without sacrificing oversight or security. + +Planning a complex migration and need to verify fit for your infrastructure? [Get in touch](/book-a-demo/) to map out your specific requirements with our Engineering Team. + +To explore protocol-level differences in more detail, see our merit-based comparison: [Defguard vs. FortiGate VPN](/defguard-vs-fortinet/). + +--- + +## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) + +### Does WireGuard® natively support the MFA and Identity features found in FortiClient? + +No. WireGuard® is a stateless transport protocol designed for the kernel space; it explicitly lacks concepts like "users," "groups," or "2FA challenges." To match FortiClient's feature set, you must pair the protocol with a Control Plane like Defguard. Defguard handles the Identity and Access Management (IAM) layer, verifying MFA and SSO credentials during session initialization before authorizing the cryptographic keys required for the connection. + +### Why choose a Self-Hosted Control Plane over SaaS solutions? + +SaaS providers (like Tailscale) host the coordination server, so metadata about your network (devices, users, access policies, and connectivity patterns) is stored outside your infrastructure. Defguard is fully self‑hosted, so your user directory and policy rules stay entirely under your control, and no additional control-plane data has to leave your environment. This aligns with internal security policies and trust assumptions of a traditional on‑premise VPN. + +### Is WireGuard® ready for enterprise deployment out of the box? + +WireGuard® itself is purely a transport protocol based on static keys; it lacks built-in Identity Management (IdP). An enterprise deployment requires an orchestration layer (such as Defguard or Tailscale) to inject support for SSO, MFA, and centralized Access Control List (ACL) management. + +### What is the difference between Mesh and Gateway-Centric architectures? + +In a Gateway-Centric model (Defguard), traffic flows through defined enforcement points (Gateways). This allows security teams to inspect traffic, enforce network segmentation, and maintain a clear audit trail — similar to a traditional VPN but distributed across multiple nodes to avoid bottlenecks. A Mesh model (Tailscale) connects devices directly (P2P), which bypasses central controls, making it difficult to inspect traffic or enforce strict segmentation policies required in enterprise environments. + +### Is Fortinet officially deprecating SSL VPN? + +Starting with FortiOS 7.6.3, Fortinet has officially replaced SSL VPN tunnel mode with IPsec VPN. The feature is no longer available in the GUI or CLI, and existing settings are not migrated during the upgrade. This effectively forces administrators to manually migrate to IPsec (configurable on TCP 443) or adopt Universal ZTNA, which typically entails additional licensing requirements (e.g., FortiClient EMS). Defguard offers a third path: a WireGuard®-based solution that delivers IPsec-grade security with higher performance and simpler management, without tying you to a proprietary client ecosystem. + + diff --git a/src/pages/_home/components/FeatureCapsules.astro b/src/pages/_home/components/FeatureCapsules.astro index 6f36b3b..c284d16 100644 --- a/src/pages/_home/components/FeatureCapsules.astro +++ b/src/pages/_home/components/FeatureCapsules.astro @@ -31,9 +31,7 @@ const { features, header } = Astro.props; )}

{feature.title}

-

- {feature.description} -

+
{feature.linkText && feature.linkUrl && (
Read about the fundamental limitations of the SSL VPN protocol." }, { - question: "What are the benefits of WireGuard® over Fortinet's IPsec/SSL VPN?", - answer: "WireGuard® is a faster, more modern, and less complex protocol than IPsec/SSL VPN. It has a significantly smaller codebase, making it easier to audit and secure. This results in higher performance, lower latency, and a reduced attack surface compared to the legacy protocols used by Fortinet's VPN solution, which have a history of critical vulnerabilities." + question: "Can I use Defguard client to connect to my existing FortiGate SSL VPN?", + answer: "No. Defguard is not a \"Direct Fortinet Replacement\" client wrapper like OpenFortiVPN. We replace the entire legacy VPN stack. Defguard is a Protocol-Based Solution that requires installing a secure Gateway (Server) to handle traffic using the modern WireGuard® protocol instead of slow SSL VPN tunnels." }, { - question: "How difficult is it to migrate from Fortinet to Defguard?", - answer: "Migration to Defguard is designed to be straightforward. As Defguard is a software-only solution, it eliminates the complex FortiGate hardware setup and FortiClient EMS management overhead. You can test Defguard with a one-line install script and deploy for production using modern infrastructure-as-code tools." + question: "How is Defguard different from OpenVPN or raw WireGuard®?", + answer: "Defguard belongs to the Protocol-Based Solutions category (like OpenVPN Access Server) but offers a modern architecture. While OpenVPN is legacy software and raw WireGuard lacks management features, Defguard provides a complete VPN Platform. It combines WireGuard performance with an Enterprise Management UI, MFA/2FA, and SSO — everything included in a self-hosted setup." }, { - question: "Can Defguard integrate with our existing identity provider like Microsoft Entra ID?", - answer: "Yes. Defguard natively integrates with any OpenID Connect (OIDC) compliant identity provider, including Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Okta, and Google Workspace. This is a core feature, unlike Fortinet, which often requires costly components like FortiAuthenticator for full SSO." + question: "Do I need a separate license for endpoint and device management like FortiClient EMS?", + answer: "No. Unlike Fortinet's fragmented model (Gateway + EMS), Defguard is a single, cohesive platform. Identity management, policy enforcement, and device provisioning are integrated directly into the system, not sold as an add-on. You get a unified control plane for both network access and fleet management — eliminating the need to deploy or license a separate EMS server." }, { - question: "Is Defguard more cost-effective than Fortinet's VPN?", - answer: "Yes. Defguard offers a lower TCO. Our pricing is transparent. Fortinet's model involves numerous hidden costs for FortiGate hardware, FortiClient licenses, support contracts, MFA tokens (FortiToken), and SSO integration (FortiAuthenticator)." + question: "Can I replace Fortinet's VPN solution without replacing my FortiGate firewall?", + answer: "Yes. You can keep your existing FortiGate firewall for perimeter security and simply offload the VPN traffic to Defguard. Deploying Defguard alongside your current firewall (as a \"sidecar\") is the fastest way to upgrade your remote access performance without disrupting your core network infrastructure. Read our step-by-step guide on how to migrate from SSL VPN to WireGuard." }, { - question: "Why does being open-source make Defguard more secure than a closed-source solution like Fortinet's?", - answer: "Defguard's open-source codebase allows for public scrutiny and independent audits by security experts worldwide. This transparency means vulnerabilities are often found and fixed faster than in a closed-source environment like Fortinet's, where users must blindly trust the vendor. Verifiable security builds a higher level of trust." + question: "Does Defguard provide Zero Trust (ZTNA) and SSO integration?", + answer: "Defguard enables a self-hosted ZTNA architecture by enforcing \"Identity-First\" access. We natively integrate with any OIDC Provider, including Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Okta, and Google Workspace. Unlike legacy VPNs that trust IP addresses, Defguard verifies user identity and MFA status before allowing access. This delivers robust Zero Trust security out of the box — eliminating the need for expensive components like FortiAuthenticator." } ]; --- @@ -91,30 +98,213 @@ const faqEntries = [
-

The Resilient Alternative to Fortinet's VPN Solution

+

A Secure FortiGate VPN Alternative. Stop Battling Unpatched VPN Vulnerabilities.

- Fortinet's recurring vulnerabilities are a liability, not a legacy. Switch to Defguard's modern, WireGuard®-based architecture for verifiable security and true post-breach resilience. + Legacy SSL VPNs expose your network to recurring critical vulnerabilities. Switch to Defguard: the secure, open-source FortiClient alternative. Built on modern WireGuard® protocol, Defguard provides fully inspectable code, native MFA, and built-in endpoint management, all without replacing your FortiGate firewall.

+
+ + +
+
+
+ -
-

Key Takeaways

-
    -
  • Architecture: Defguard's modern microservice design eliminates the single point of failure inherent in FortiGate's monolithic architecture.
    • -
  • Resilience: Documented malware like COATHANGER can survive patches on FortiGate. Defguard's architecture is designed to resist and contain such persistent threats.
    • -
  • Transparency: Defguard is fully open-source, allowing for public verification. Fortinet's solution is a closed-source, proprietary system.
    • -
  • Cost: Defguard's pricing is transparent and subscription-based, while Fortinet's model often includes numerous hidden costs for hardware, support, and essential features.
    • -
-
+
+

Legacy Hardware vs. Modern Software Architecture

+

See how Defguard's Enterprise VPN solution architecture stacks up against the limitations of traditional, all-in-one security appliances. Select a topic below to compare.

+ +
+
+ + + + + +
+ +
+
+
+
+

Traditional Appliance (FortiGate)

+

Whether you use the official FortiClient or a client wrapper like OpenFortiVPN, you are still tethered to the slow, vulnerable SSL VPN protocol on a monolithic appliance. It's a single point of failure.

+
+
[ Internet ] ↔ [ Firewall | VPN | SSO | Control Plane ] ↔ [ Internal Network ]
+
Result: Broad Attack Surface
+
+
+
+

Defguard Architecture

+

Defguard is not a client wrapper. It is a complete Protocol-Based Solution that replaces the vulnerable SSL VPN stack with a modern WireGuard® Gateway. Built on a secure, stateless architecture, it isolates components and keeps the Core Control Plane physically inaccessible from the internet, eliminating the attack surface.

+
+
[ Internet ] ↔ [ Secure Gateway ]
[ DMZ ]
[ Core Control Plane ] ↔ [ Internal Network ]
+
Result: Minimized Attack Surface
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+

Fortinet Pricing & Hardware Lock-in

+
    +
  • Expensive hardware purchases required.
    • +
  • Security updates often demand costly equipment upgrades.
    • +
  • Creates a cycle of vendor lock-in and escalating costs.
    • +
+
+
+

Defguard's Freedom

+
    +
  • A true FortiGate VPN alternative. Completely hardware and system-agnostic.
    • +
  • Deploy on any hardware or cloud provider (AWS, GCP, Azure).
    • +
  • Software-defined for maximum flexibility and cost-efficiency.
    • +
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+

The FortiGate Black Box

+
    +
  • Closed-source code prevents inspection.
    • +
  • No way to verify security claims or patches.
    • +
  • Impossible to confirm if attackers persist after a breach.
    • +
  • You must trust the vendor's promises completely.
    • +
+
+
+

Defguard's Inspectability & Verifiability

+
    +
  • Full inspectability with open-source code.
    • +
  • Transparent development, testing, and release process.
    • +
  • Public penetration testing reports.
    • +
  • Full system access enables comprehensive monitoring.
    • +
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+

FortiClient's Costly 2FA

+

Typically offers basic 2FA, often with additional costs for proprietary tokens or services.

+
    +
  • Basic 2FA (e.g., TOTP)
    • +
+
+
+

Defguard's True Multi-Factor Authentication

+

Provides true, layered Multi-Factor Authentication out-of-the-box for robust security.

+
    +
  • Biometry
    • +
  • TOTP
    • +
  • Email Codes
    • +
  • WireGuard PSK
    • +
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+

FortiGate's Limited SSO

+

Support for SSO/IdP is often limited to a few major enterprise providers, restricting your choices.

+

Supported: ADFS, Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, Google Workspace.

+
+
+

Defguard's Broad Integration

+

Extensive support for on-premise and cloud-based SSO/IdP solutions via OpenID Connect.

+

Supported: LDAP, Active Directory, Google Workspace, Azure EntraID, Okta, JumpCloud, Zitadel, ...and more.

+
+
+
+
+
+
-
- + +

The ROI of Switching: Engineered for Speed & Security

+

Replace legacy friction with measurable performance. Defguard upgrades your infrastructure with a modern, auditable stack that respects your team's time.

+ + -
+ +

Eliminate VPN Headaches for Your Entire Team

+

Defguard provides the security, control, and flexibility your team needs, no matter your role.

+
  • Mitigate Risk: Secure, stateless architecture minimizes your attack surface.
  • Escape FortiGate SSL VPN vulnerabilities
  • Ensure Compliance: Full inspectability and transparent security empower audits.
  • Control Costs: Avoid vendor lock-in and FortiGate costs complexity
    • ", + icon: "lni-shield", + }, + { + title: "For Sys Admins", + description: "
    • Easy Deployment: Hardware-agnostic software for flexible installations.
    • Simplified Management: Easy upgrades and seamless integration with existing tools.
    • Full Visibility: Comprehensive system and network monitoring on-device.
    ", + icon: "lni-cog", + }, + { + title: "For DevOps", + description: "
    • Automated & Fast: Built on WireGuard for high performance and speed.
    • Hybrid Cloud Ready: Deploy on-premise or in any major cloud environment.
    • Flexible Integration: Extensive SSO/IdP support via OpenID Connect.
    ", + icon: "lni-layers", + } + ]} + /> +     + + +

    Engineered for the Modern Network

    +

    Defguard is more than just a replacement—it's an upgrade designed for today's dynamic infrastructure demands.

    + +     + + +
    +

    Trusted by Industry Leaders

    +

    Organizations worldwide trust Defguard to secure their critical infrastructure and protect their digital assets.

    + +
    +
    @@ -149,7 +339,7 @@ const faqEntries = [ MFA Enforcement Protocol-level MFA - Built-in, every connection authenticated. - Application-level 2FA - Requires costly add-ons like FortiToken. + Session-Based 2FA. Authenticates only once at login. Native tokens usually require separate licensing (like FortiToken). Open Source @@ -159,7 +349,7 @@ const faqEntries = [ Identity Management Built-in IdP & simple SSO integration (Microsoft, Google, Okta). - Requires separate FortiAuthenticator component. + Fragmented. Basic local config per-firewall. Scalable IAM often requires FortiAuthenticator. Onboarding @@ -184,7 +374,7 @@ const faqEntries = [
    -

    Defguard vs. Fortinet VPN: Architecture & Performance

    +

    Architecture: Why the Fortinet Monolith is Slow

    Fortinet's VPN solution relies on a traditional model where the FortiClient endpoint connects to a central FortiGate appliance. All traffic is funneled through a central FortiGate appliance. This monolithic architecture, where dozens of services are bundled into the FortiOS codebase, creates a single, massive point of @@ -268,9 +458,37 @@ const faqEntries = [

    + +
    -

    Defguard vs. Fortinet VPN: Security & Post-Breach Resilience

    +

    Security: Vulnerabilities & The "Unpatchable" Risk (COATHANGER)

    This is the most critical differentiator. Fortinet's security model has proven to be dangerously fragile against sophisticated threats.

    @@ -296,7 +514,7 @@ const faqEntries = [
    -

    Defguard vs. Fortinet: Authentication & Identity Management

    +

    Identity: Native MFA vs. The FortiAuthenticator Trap

    Fortinet requires a complex ecosystem for modern authentication, needing separate products like FortiAuthenticator for SSO and FortiToken for MFA. This fragments security and inflates costs. @@ -310,7 +528,7 @@ const faqEntries = [

    -

    Defguard vs. Fortinet: Policy Enforcement

    +

    Access Control: Identity-Based vs. Static IP Rules

    Defguard uses a flexible, identity-based ACL system. Policies are tied to user identity, not static IP addresses, making them more secure and easier to manage than the complex rule sets on a centralized FortiGate appliance.

    @@ -319,7 +537,7 @@ const faqEntries = [
    -

    The Strategic Difference: Fortinet vs. Defguard

    +

    Strategic Impact: Hardware Security vs. Software Agility

    The choice between Fortinet and Defguard is a choice between two fundamentally different security philosophies. The table below shows the real-world consequences of each architectural approach. @@ -331,10 +549,15 @@ const faqEntries = [ Security Principle Legacy Appliance Approach (FortiGate) - Modern Software Approach (Defguard) + Modern ZTNA Approach (Defguard) + + ZTNA implementation + Perimeter-Based. Trust is assumed once connected. Even with "Fortinet ZTNA" features, the underlying architecture relies on a persistent tunnel that allows lateral movement. + Pure identity-first ZTNA: protocol-level MFA with dynamic session keys; no implicit trust, every session fully reauthenticated before tunnel establishment. + Attack Surface Large, monolithic, and complex; a single vulnerability can lead to full device compromise, as repeatedly demonstrated by multiple critical CVEs. @@ -363,19 +586,22 @@ const faqEntries = [

    -

    Initial Setup & Management

    +

    Management & Setup: Automated Provisioning vs. FortiClient EMS

    +

    + Scaling remote access creates an "Empty Client" problem: distributing the app is easy, but securely distributing secrets is hard. Fortinet forces you to buy FortiClient EMS to solve this. Defguard solves it using the infrastructure you already own: Active Directory or Entra ID. +

    - Deploying Fortinet's VPN is a resource-intensive process involving FortiGate hardware and FortiClient EMS for management. + We offer true Zero-Touch Provisioning. Admins batch-generate tokens via API and sync them to user profiles. When you push the MSI via Intune or GPO, the client auto-detects the domain, retrieves the token, and pre-configures itself. Users launch the app and connect immediately: no emails, no copy-pasting, and no Helpdesk tickets.

    - Defguard is designed for simplicity. To simplify evaluation, we provide a one-line install script to deploy a complete test instance, allowing you to get familiar with the solution's features quickly. For production-ready rollout, we support modern workflows with deployment options for Docker Compose, Terraform for AWS, and Kubernetes. + To simplify evaluation, we provide a one-line install script to deploy a complete test instance, allowing you to get familiar with the solution's features quickly. For production-ready rollout, we support modern workflows with deployment options for Docker Compose, Terraform for AWS, and Kubernetes.

    -

    Cost & Licensing

    +

    Pricing: Transparent Subscription vs. Hidden Licensing Fees

    Fortinet's pricing requires multiple, separate licenses for FortiGate hardware, FortiClient endpoints, MFA, SSO, and mandatory support contracts, leading to unforeseen costs.

    @@ -387,7 +613,7 @@ const faqEntries = [
    -

    The Bottom Line

    +

    The Bottom Line: Why Modern Teams Switch

    Fortinet's VPN solution is a traditional VPN defined by its legacy architecture and a demonstrated history of critical security failures. The FortiGate appliance's design allows for persistent compromises that survive patching – a risk modern businesses cannot afford. @@ -401,8 +627,8 @@ const faqEntries = [ Stop patching a broken architecture. Move to a platform designed for the modern threat landscape.

    - Get Evaluation License - Contact Sales + +
    @@ -425,11 +651,262 @@ const faqEntries = [