Fortinet FortiAuthenticator vs WatchGuard AuthPoint MFA comparison

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is the primary secure point of approved access into the Fortinet network, authorizing users, reviewing access permissions, and relaying the information to all Fortigate devices for comparison with identity-based protocols. Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is a top-ranked authorization and SSO solution.

Appropriate secure access is fundamental to every role in an enterprise ecosystem. It is an integral function of every organization to ensure that every access and privilege is secure and to mitigate any possible risk to an organization. Approved users should only have access to the necessary information when they need it, from the appropriate location(s) to safeguard an organization's security at all times.

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is available as an appliance, virtual machine, or in the cloud.

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator Methods

• FSSO: FortiAuthenticator Single sign-on user will easily identify users and assign role or group access based on preset identity-based protocols. FortiAuthenticator integrates well with third-party LDAP or active directories, is very flexible, and combines these methods to provide effective security.
  
  
• Active Directory Polling: Active directory access is securely identified by consistent polling of domain controllers. As users log in, username, IP address, and other details are logged into the database and can be shared across devices as directed by FortiAuthenticator protocols.
  
  
• FortiAuthenticator Portal and Widgets: If a user system does not support AP polling, or for other reasons it is not feasible, FortiAuthenticator offers a unique secure authentication portal. Users can be manually authenticated and, to diminish the effect of numerous logins, an intuitive set of widgets is available to integrate into an organization's ecosystem that will automatically grant access to users when they access the organization's intranet homepage.
  
  
• RADIUS Accounting Login: For organizations that use RADIUS authentication, RADIUS Accounting is available for user identification. This process will prompt user access information (IP and group, etc.) and eliminate the need for multiple levels of authentication.

Reviews from Real Users

Ernesto C., Presales Engineer at a comms service provider, shares,

”Key Features and Benefits

1. Two-factor/OTP Authentication with FortiToken: Enforce user-based policies. Fortitoken is available in soft and hard versions for flexible usage. Most Valuable in Mobile Phones App for OTP.
2. Integration with LDAP and AD: This solution integrates with existing enterprise systems and technologies from diverse vendors of user information management systems.
3. LPAD/AD/RADIUS/SYSLOG/KERBEROS/REST API/FSSO and Web Portals: There is flexible integration with these services.
4. It is usable in network, WAN, wireless, and VPN Scenarios.
5. The domain and guest-users support are good.”

Ibrahim M., Senior Network & Security Engineer at a tech services company, relates, "The initial setup is a valuable point on Fortinet products. Most of the time, putting the theory into practice on the devices is quite friendly and straightforward. As long as you can read English you can find your way around the solution and make it work. This is a high value point on Fortinet - the way everything is laid out in the web UI is user-friendly and quite straightforward. The UI is quite simple."

WatchGuard AuthPoint MFA enhances security with push authentication for Android and iOS without hardware tokens. It offers a user-friendly experience via mobile notifications and approvals, bolstering workforce authentication effectively.

WatchGuard AuthPoint MFA provides robust security through easy-to-use multi-factor authentication, compatible with Android and iOS. Its push authentication eliminates the need for hardware tokens, streamlining user experience with convenient mobile device notifications. The integration with platforms like AWS and Office 365 secures remote work and prevents credential theft. With WatchGuard firewall features like UDP and GeoBlock, roles are easily established for advanced connection control. Enhancements like improved documentation and video tutorials could further support users. The solution's alignment with GDPR, zero trust features, and expanded laptop management make it versatile for security needs.

What are the key features?

• Push Authentication: Offers seamless Android and iOS compatibility without hardware tokens.
• Mobile Management: Provides notifications and approvals managed via mobile devices.
• Secure Integrations: Easily integrates with platforms like AWS and Office 365.
• Firewall Security: Utilizes advanced features like UDP, block filters, and GeoBlock.
• Role Establishment: Allows connection control through established roles.

What benefits should users expect?

• Enhanced Security: Multi-factor authentication effectively prevents unauthorized access.
• Improved Experience: Mobile notifications and integrations increase usability.
• Adaptability: Suitable for sectors like banking to secure sensitive data effectively.
• Easy Implementation: Straightforward syncing with local gateways and directories.

In sectors such as banking, WatchGuard AuthPoint MFA is crucial for securing VPN access and protecting sensitive data. It integrates seamlessly with existing WatchGuard VPNs to bolster security measures. Its easy implementation makes it an attractive option for securing remote work and preventing credential theft, offering particular value for banking institutions looking to enhance data protection strategies.