FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 FortiClient provisioning and deployment

FortiClient Provisioning and Deployment Detailed Explanation

FortiClient provisioning involves preparing endpoints to adhere to organizational security policies, enabling secure communication with EMS, and maintaining compliance. This process includes deploying FortiClient on endpoint devices, configuring profiles, applying policies, and monitoring the health of endpoints.

1. Deployment Options

There are three primary deployment options for FortiClient. Each option is suited for specific environments based on the organization’s size, technical infrastructure, and endpoint management needs.

1.1 Manual Deployment

This is the simplest deployment method, often used for small-scale environments or testing purposes.

When to Use

• Organizations with a small number of devices.
• Scenarios where administrators have physical or remote access to each endpoint.

Steps for Manual Deployment

1. Download the FortiClient Installer

   • Log in to the EMS console or Fortinet website.
   • Download the installer compatible with the endpoint's operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android).

2. Run the Installer

   • Transfer the installer to the target endpoint device.
   • Execute the installer with administrative privileges:
     • Right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator.

3. Input EMS Server Details

   • During the installation, you’ll be prompted to enter the EMS server address:
     • Format: https://<EMS_Server_IP>:<Port>.
   • If using a secure TLS certificate, ensure the certificate is trusted by the endpoint.

4. Complete Installation

   • Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation.
   • Reboot the device if prompted.

1.2 Automated Deployment

Automated deployment is ideal for larger environments where manual installation is not practical.

Tools for Automated Deployment

1. Active Directory GPO (Group Policy Objects)

   • A common method for deploying FortiClient in Windows environments.
   • Steps:
     • Create a GPO that points to the FortiClient MSI package on a shared network location.
     • Apply the GPO to an Organizational Unit (OU) containing the target devices.
     • FortiClient will be installed automatically on the devices during their next startup or policy refresh.

2. SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) or Intune

   • These tools enable IT administrators to automate software installation across multiple endpoints.
   • Steps:
     • Upload the FortiClient installer to the SCCM or Intune management portal.
     • Configure deployment settings, such as silent installation and custom parameters.
     • Schedule or trigger the deployment process.

3. EMS Remote Deployment

   • EMS provides built-in tools to remotely install FortiClient on endpoints.
   • Steps:
     • In the EMS dashboard, navigate to Deployment.
     • Select the target devices from the list of discovered endpoints.
     • Push the FortiClient installer to these devices.
     • Monitor the deployment status in real time.

1.3 Cloud-based Deployment

For organizations with remote or hybrid work setups, cloud-based deployment provides a seamless method to provision and manage endpoints over the internet.

How It Works

1. Use FortiClient Cloud to manage endpoints that are not directly connected to the corporate network.
2. Endpoints download and install FortiClient through a cloud-based provisioning URL.
3. Communication with EMS occurs over secure internet channels.

Advantages

• No need for direct network access to the EMS server.
• Simplifies endpoint management for remote users.

2. Configuration Profiles

Configuration profiles define the security and operational settings applied to FortiClient endpoints. Profiles help ensure that devices comply with organizational policies and security standards.

2.1 Default Profiles

What Are Default Profiles?

• Predefined templates in EMS that cover common security use cases.
• Ready to use with minimal customization.

Default Profile Features

1. Antivirus:
   • Enable real-time protection and scheduled scans.
   • Configure automatic threat remediation (e.g., quarantine or delete).
2. Firewall:
   • Define inbound and outbound rules to protect devices from unauthorized access.
3. VPN:
   • Preconfigure secure VPN connections for remote users.

When to Use Default Profiles

• For quick deployment in environments with standard security needs.
• As a starting point for creating customized profiles.

2.2 Custom Profiles

Why Create Custom Profiles?

• To tailor configurations based on the specific needs of departments, roles, or individual users.

Steps to Create a Custom Profile

1. Access the EMS Console

   • Navigate to the Configuration Profiles section.
   • Click Create Profile and provide a descriptive name.

2. Add Custom Settings

   • Web Filtering:
     • Block categories such as social media, gaming, or adult content.
     • Allow specific domains required for business operations.
   • Application Control:
     • Restrict high-risk applications (e.g., torrent clients, remote desktop tools).
   • Endpoint Compliance Checks:
     • Enforce rules to check for:
       • Updated antivirus definitions.
       • Enabled firewalls.
       • The presence of specific applications (e.g., Microsoft Office).

3. Assign the Profile

   • Specify which device groups or users should receive the profile.
   • Apply the profile and monitor its deployment status.

2.3 Dynamic Profile Assignment

What is Dynamic Assignment?

• Profiles are automatically assigned to endpoints based on conditions such as:
  • Operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS).
  • Device location (e.g., on-premises vs. remote).
  • Active Directory group membership.

How to Enable Dynamic Assignment

1. Create a Dynamic Group in EMS.
   • Define conditions for group membership (e.g., devices with macOS).
2. Assign a profile to the dynamic group.
   • New devices meeting the conditions will automatically receive the profile.

3. Policy Deployment and Verification

Policies are the backbone of endpoint security in FortiClient EMS. They define how endpoints behave, what resources they can access, and the security measures they must follow.

3.1 Policy Distribution

Assigning Profiles and Policies

1. To Groups:
   • Policies can be assigned to groups of devices or users.
   • Example: Assign stricter web filtering policies to devices in the HR department.
2. To Individual Devices:
   • For specific use cases, policies can be applied directly to individual endpoints.

Steps to Distribute Policies

1. Open the EMS console and navigate to the Policies section.
2. Select the policy you want to deploy.
3. Choose the target group or individual devices from the list.
4. Click Apply Policy to initiate the deployment.

EMS Synchronization

• Ensure that endpoints are actively connected to EMS during policy deployment.
• EMS will push the policy changes to endpoints in real time or during their next scheduled synchronization.

3.2 Compliance Checks

Why Compliance Checks Are Important

• To ensure that all endpoints adhere to the security configurations set in their profiles and policies.
• To identify and address non-compliant devices promptly.

Enabling Periodic Compliance Scans

1. Go to the Settings section in the EMS console.
2. Enable periodic compliance scans for all managed devices.
3. Define the scan frequency (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly).

What Compliance Scans Check For

1. Antivirus Signatures:
   • Ensure the antivirus engine is up-to-date with the latest threat signatures.
2. Firewall and VPN Status:
   • Verify that the firewall is enabled and VPN configurations are correct.
3. Software and OS Updates:
   • Check if the endpoint’s operating system and installed software meet minimum security standards.

Handling Non-Compliant Devices

1. Alert Administrators:
   • EMS will generate alerts for non-compliant devices.
   • Alerts can be sent via email or displayed on the EMS dashboard.
2. Restrict Network Access:
   • Automatically isolate non-compliant devices from the network until they meet compliance standards.

4. Endpoint Health Monitoring

Monitoring the health of endpoints in real-time is critical for identifying potential vulnerabilities and responding to threats promptly.

4.1 Real-time Status

Viewing Endpoint Health

1. Open the EMS dashboard and navigate to the Devices section.
2. View the health status of all connected endpoints:
   • Green: Compliant and secure.
   • Yellow: Warning (e.g., outdated antivirus definitions).
   • Red: Non-compliant or at risk.

Metrics Monitored

1. Threat Detections:
   • Malware infections, suspicious activity, or blocked applications.
2. Policy Violations:
   • Devices that have deviated from their assigned policies.
3. Connection Status:
   • Online or offline status of the endpoint.

Drill Down into Individual Logs

1. Select a device from the list to view its detailed activity log.
2. Logs include:
   • Security events (e.g., malware detections).
   • Policy application history.
   • Device connection timestamps.

4.2 Endpoint Remediation

When issues are detected, remediation ensures that endpoints return to a secure and compliant state.

Automatic Quarantine

1. EMS can automatically quarantine endpoints based on predefined threat levels:
   • High-risk threats (e.g., active malware infections) trigger immediate isolation.
2. Quarantined devices are blocked from accessing the corporate network but can still communicate with EMS for remediation tasks.

Triggering Remediation Tasks

1. Force Policy Updates:
   • EMS can push updated policies to endpoints to resolve compliance issues.
2. Push Antivirus Definitions:
   • Update endpoints with the latest antivirus definitions to address security gaps.

Manual Remediation

1. Access the endpoint’s detailed status in the EMS console.
2. Perform manual actions such as:
   • Running a full antivirus scan.
   • Restoring a quarantined device after verifying its security.
3. Document the remediation process for auditing purposes.

FortiClient Provisioning and Deployment (Additional Content)

In this section, we will take an in-depth look at how FortiClient is installed, deployed, licensed, and managed in an enterprise environment.

2.1 FortiClient Installation Methods

Before endpoints can be managed by FortiClient EMS, they must have the FortiClient Agent installed. There are different ways to install FortiClient, depending on the size of the organization and level of automation required.

2.1.1 Understanding the FortiClient Installation Process

When you install FortiClient on an endpoint, you must ensure that:

1. The correct FortiClient package is installed.
2. The EMS connection settings are configured properly.
3. Security policies are applied after installation.

Each method of installation varies in complexity, from simple manual installation to fully automated deployments across thousands of devices.

2.1.2 Manual Installation of FortiClient

Manual installation is the simplest method but is only suitable for small-scale environments or individual users.

Step-by-Step Manual Installation Process

1. Download FortiClient

• The installer can be downloaded from:
  • Fortinet’s website
  • FortiClient EMS (for managed installations)

2. Run the Installer

• Launch the .exe (Windows) or .dmg (Mac) installation file.

3. Choose Installation Mode

• Standalone Mode (for unmanaged use).
• EMS-Managed Mode (for enterprise deployments).

4. Manually Configure EMS Connection

• If EMS-Managed Mode is selected, enter:
  • EMS Server IP/Hostname
  • Registration Key (if required)

5. Complete the Installation

• Restart the endpoint to apply settings.

6. Verify EMS Connection

• Open FortiClient and check EMS connection status.

Limitations of Manual Installation

• Time-consuming if installing on multiple devices.
• Requires user intervention to configure EMS settings.
• Not practical for large organizations.

2.1.3 Automated Deployment Methods

For organizations with hundreds or thousands of endpoints, automated deployment is required. This ensures consistent installation and configuration across all devices.

1. Group Policy Object (GPO) Deployment

Best for: Windows-based enterprises using Active Directory (AD).
How it works: Deploys MSI (Microsoft Installer) packages through GPO.

Steps for GPO Deployment

1. Download the FortiClient MSI Installer from Fortinet.
2. Create a Shared Network Folder:

• Place the MSI installer in a network-accessible folder.

3. Open Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
4. Create a New Group Policy Object (GPO)
5. Assign the MSI Installer to a Specific Organizational Unit (OU)

• Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Policies > Software Settings > Software Installation
• Select the MSI file and assign as:
  • Assigned (installs automatically).
  • Published (user can install manually).

6. Apply the GPO to Target Computers
7. Restart Endpoints to apply the installation.

Advantages of GPO Deployment

• Fully automated installation.
• No user intervention required.
• Easier to update FortiClient in the future.

2. Microsoft SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) Deployment

Best for: Large enterprises using Microsoft SCCM for IT management.
How it works: Uses SCCM policies to distribute FortiClient to endpoints.

Steps for SCCM Deployment

1. Import the FortiClient Installer into SCCM.
2. Create a New Application Package.
3. Define Deployment Rules:

• Set conditions (e.g., install only if FortiClient is not already installed).

4. Deploy to Target Devices.
5. Monitor Deployment Status in SCCM Console.

Advantages of SCCM Deployment

• More control over installation parameters.
• Can deploy different versions to different users.
• Can track installation status in SCCM reports.

3. PowerShell/Bash Script Deployment

Best for: IT administrators who need flexibility in deploying FortiClient.

Example PowerShell Script for Windows

$installerPath = "\\network-share\FortiClient.msi"
Start-Process msiexec.exe -ArgumentList "/i $installerPath /qn" -Wait

Example Bash Script for Linux

sudo dpkg -i forticlient.deb

Advantages of Script-Based Deployment

• Works on both Windows & Linux.
• Customizable for different environments.
• Can be combined with remote management tools.

2.1.4 Creating Custom Installation Packages

Organizations can create custom MSI installers that pre-configure settings to simplify deployment.

Custom Package Features:

• Predefined EMS Connection Settings (IP, hostname, registration key).
• Pre-configured Security Policies (Antivirus, Web Filtering).
• Automatic Registration to EMS (No user action required).

Steps to Create a Custom FortiClient MSI Installer

1. Open EMS Console.
2. Go to Endpoint Profiles.
3. Create a Custom Installer Package:

• Define the EMS Connection.
• Configure default security settings.

4. Download the Custom MSI Package.
5. Deploy Using GPO, SCCM, or Scripts.

2.2 Endpoint Licensing

To use advanced security features, endpoints must have a valid FortiClient license.

2.2.1 Free Version (ZTNA-Agent)

• Provides basic Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
• No EMS management capabilities (cannot enforce security policies).
• Best for personal or small-scale deployments.

2.2.2 Paid Version (EMS License)

• Supports advanced security features:
  • Web Filtering (blocks malicious websites).
  • Antivirus & Malware Protection.
  • Vulnerability Management (detects outdated software).
  • Endpoint Compliance Enforcement.

2.2.3 Activating a License

1. Purchase a License from a Fortinet Partner.
2. Apply the License in the EMS Console:

• Navigate to System Settings > Licensing.
• Enter the License Key.

3. Verify Activation:

• Check the number of allocated endpoints.
• Ensure all devices are covered.

2.3 Endpoint Policy Deployment

After deployment, FortiClient must be configured with security policies to ensure compliance.

2.3.1 Types of Security Policies

• Antivirus Protection – Scans and removes malware.
• Web Filtering – Blocks malicious or unwanted websites.
• Application Firewall – Controls which applications can access the network.
• Remote Access VPN – Configures SSL/IPsec VPN for secure remote access.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) – Restricts access based on endpoint security posture.

2.3.2 Deploying Policies in EMS

1. Create a Policy Template:

• Open EMS Console.
• Navigate to Endpoint Profiles > Policies.
• Define the security rules.

2. Assign Policy to Endpoint Groups:

• Apply to specific device categories.

3. Monitor Policy Deployment:

• Check if endpoints sync and apply policies.

2.4 Hands-On Examples: FortiClient Installation and Deployment

Example 1: Manual Installation of FortiClient on Windows

Scenario:

You are an IT administrator at a small company with fewer than 50 employees. Your task is to manually install FortiClient on a Windows machine and register it with EMS.

Steps to Install FortiClient Manually:

1. Download FortiClient

• Go to Fortinet’s official website or EMS console.
• Download the FortiClient installer (Windows .exe file).

2. Run the Installer

• Double-click the downloaded file.
• Choose EMS-managed mode.
• Click Next.

3. Configure EMS Connection

• When prompted, enter:
  • EMS Server IP/Hostname: 192.168.1.100
  • Registration Key (if required).

4. Finish the Installation

• Click Finish and restart your device.
• Open FortiClient and verify that it is connected to EMS.

How to Verify the Connection

• Open FortiClient and go to About → EMS Connection Status.
• In EMS Console, check Endpoints to confirm that the device is listed.

Example 2: Deploying FortiClient Using GPO in Active Directory

Scenario:

Your organization has 500 employees, and you want to deploy FortiClient automatically using Group Policy Object (GPO).

Steps for GPO Deployment

1. Prepare the FortiClient MSI Package

• Download the MSI installer from EMS.
• Place it in a network share (\\Server\FortiClient).

2. Create a New Group Policy Object (GPO)

• Open Group Policy Management Console (gpedit.msc).
• Navigate to:
  Computer Configuration > Policies > Software Settings > Software Installation
• Right-click and select New > Package.

3. Deploy the FortiClient MSI

• Select the MSI file from the network share.
• Choose Assigned (automatic installation).
• Click Apply.

4. Link the GPO to Active Directory (AD) Users or Computers

• Open Active Directory Users and Computers.
• Right-click the Organizational Unit (OU) containing the target computers.
• Click Link an Existing GPO and select the newly created FortiClient GPO.

5. Force GPO Update and Reboot Endpoints

• Run the command on all endpoints:

  gpupdate /force
  

• Restart all devices to apply the installation.

How to Verify Installation

• Check EMS Console for newly registered endpoints.
• On an endpoint, run FortiClientConsole.exe to ensure it is installed.

Example 3: Automating FortiClient Installation with PowerShell

Scenario:

You need to deploy FortiClient on 100 Linux workstations without manual intervention.

PowerShell Script for Windows Deployment

Save this script as Install-FortiClient.ps1 and run it as an administrator:

$installerPath = "\\network-share\FortiClient.msi"
Start-Process msiexec.exe -ArgumentList "/i $installerPath /qn" -Wait

This script will silently install FortiClient on the endpoint.

Bash Script for Linux Deployment

Save this script as install-forticlient.sh:

#!/bin/bash
sudo dpkg -i /network-share/forticlient.deb

Run it with:

sudo bash install-forticlient.sh

2.5 Troubleshooting FortiClient Installation Issues

Issue 1: FortiClient Installation Fails

Symptoms:

• Error message: "Installation cannot proceed"
• The MSI package does not start.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Cause	Solution
Insufficient permissions	Run the installer as Administrator
Corrupt MSI file	Redownload the FortiClient package
Conflicting software	Uninstall any previous FortiClient versions before installing
Windows Installer service not running	Restart the Windows Installer Service (services.msc)

Issue 2: FortiClient Fails to Connect to EMS

Symptoms:

• "Unable to reach EMS Server" error.
• FortiClient is stuck in offline mode.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Cause	Solution
EMS server IP is incorrect	Verify the EMS Server IP in FortiClient settings
Network firewall blocking traffic	Ensure Port 10443 is open between client and EMS
EMS Server is down	Restart the EMS Server service

To manually check connectivity, run:

ping 192.168.1.100
telnet 192.168.1.100 10443

If these fail, check firewall settings.

Issue 3: FortiClient Does Not Apply Policies

Symptoms:

• Endpoint is connected but not receiving security policies.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Cause	Solution
Incorrect policy assigned	Check policy assignments in EMS Console
Policy synchronization delay	Restart FortiClient and run a manual sync
Client is not properly registered	Re-register the client in EMS Console

To manually force policy updates, run:

FortiClientConsole.exe /policyUpdate

Issue 4: FortiClient Deployment via GPO Fails

Symptoms:

• MSI is not installed after a reboot.
• GPO deployment shows errors.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Cause	Solution
GPO not applied to devices	Run gpresult /R to verify GPO application
MSI package inaccessible	Ensure the network share is reachable
Computers need rebooting	Restart the endpoints to trigger installation

2.6 Best Practices for FortiClient Deployment

1. Use Pre-Configured Installation Packages

• Reduces manual configuration errors.
• Ensures EMS connection settings are applied correctly.

2. Deploy in Stages

• Start with a test group before rolling out to all users.
• Monitor installation logs for issues.

3. Automate Deployment Where Possible

• Use GPO, SCCM, or scripts for scalability.

4. Regularly Update FortiClient

• Always use the latest FortiClient version to ensure security patches are applied.

5. Monitor Deployment in EMS Console

• Check Dashboard > Endpoints to verify that all devices are properly registered.