FortiOS 7.4: Unpacking The New Hybrid Network Security Update

With generative text programs and image generators doing things many never thought possible, many industry leaders have focused on the application of AI technologies in content creation. Unfortunately, there is a darker application for artificial intelligence technologies. Ultimately, these complex systems are tools, and – like any tool – they can do a lot of damage in the wrong hands. In no place is that truer than in the practice of cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is more of an arms race than ever before, and if your enterprise can’t stay ahead of cyber criminals, a malicious event is around the corner. For that reason, it is important for businesses and IT teams to step up protection as technology and attacks evolve.

Thankfully, longstanding cybersecurity providers like Fortinet offer a unifying AI-based security operating system to span the entire distributed security fabric. The latest FortiOS 7.4 eliminates the need to choose between performance and protection, allowing organizations to focus on innovation while maintaining safety. The system’s AI-based threat detection provides extensive control throughout the extended attack surface, guaranteeing secure operations and reducing risk.

Let’s examine the features that make FortiOS 7.4 an essential part of your network security strategy.

Unified Hybrid Network Security Management

As networks and hybrid environments evolve, so too should your secure networking approaches. To maintain optimal and unified security, organizations must explore cutting-edge technologies like hybrid mesh firewalls to provide a converged approach that delivers comprehensive security policy controls between workloads and users.

According to Gartner, the adoption rate of hybrid mesh firewalls is expected to increase, as more than 60 percent of organizations will employ multiple firewall deployments by 2026. As such, it is important to rely on a provider that offers a centralized management solution – such as FortiManager – to oversee the enterprise network across various firewall deployments, both on-premises and in the cloud. This kind of solution should deliver consistent security, management, and analytics throughout the hybrid network and integrate Secure SD-WAN, Secure WLAN/LAN, Universal ZTNA, and a comprehensive SASE solution.

Early Detection And Real-Time Responses To Cyberattacks

Enterprise hybrid network security has evolved from relying on error-prone human intelligence. AI-powered threat intelligence platforms offer real-time response and automation capabilities to identify and fix vulnerabilities and misconfigurations across a network. These capabilities are designed to meet current and future cyber threats.

In addition to AI-powered threat intelligence, the latest innovations in endpoint security, SOC automation, and application security have better enabled businesses to build their own self-defending hybrid network ecosystems. These enhancements allow businesses to defend against even the most sophisticated and fast-moving cyber-attacks such as targeted ransomware and advanced persistent threats. These comprehensive solutions ensure companies stay ahead of attackers and provide data and reputation protection against weaponized AI.

Access To An Efficient Risk Reduction Solution

Staying updated with state-of-the-art cyber-physical and industrial control system (ICS) risk reduction solutions enable various OT and SOC teams to effectively analyze and respond to any threat quickly. One solution, for example, comes from FortiOS 7.4’s latest update which offers a dedicated dashboard to view real-time threat visibility features aligned to the MITRE ATT&CK for ICS and OT-specific threat analysis. The result is a faster response time for converged OT and IT environments, keeping your organization ahead of constantly evolving cyber threats.

Fortinet’s Comprehensive Hybrid Network Security Solution

As cyberattacks continue to grow in number and sophistication, businesses need a security solution that supports their digital innovation strategy while keeping pace with cyber threats. FortiOS 7.4 is designed to provide an automatic and multi-pronged response to cyber threats. Through years of experience and constant research and development, Fortinet continues to innovate and provide robust protection and improved performance in secure networking and management.

For a comprehensive cybersecurity measure, WEI recommends FortiOS 7.4 to enterprises seeking to secure their hybrid networks. Contact us today and let our team of experts empower your business to achieve your hybrid network security goals.

Next steps: Curious about what your business can do right now to make the most of your hybrid workforce? Download our Cloud Security Tech Brief to learn more about how you can improve the efficiency of your team.