Fortinet

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A global cybersecurity company focused on network, cloud, endpoint, access, and security operations technologies.

Last updated October 7, 2026

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Overview

Fortinet, Inc. is a United States cybersecurity company headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Founded in 2000 by brothers Ken Xie and Michael Xie, the company developed from an early focus on integrated network security appliances into a broad portfolio spanning firewalls, secure networking, wireless access, endpoint protection, cloud security, security analytics, email security, data loss prevention, and security operations. The company originated as Appligation, Inc., was subsequently renamed ApSecure, and adopted the Fortinet name from the idea of fortified networks. Its first major commercial product was FortiGate, introduced in 2002 as a physical firewall appliance. FortiGate combined firewalling with functions such as virtual private networking, intrusion prevention, antivirus, and antispam, reflecting Fortinet's early emphasis on unified threat management rather than separate point products. The company later implemented custom ASIC acceleration in several product families to improve throughput and reduce the performance penalty associated with security inspection. Fortinet expanded internationally during its first decade, establishing channel operations in Canada and the United Kingdom and developing offices and research activity across North America, Europe, and Asia. It added products for email security, wireless networking, switching, application delivery, sandboxing, endpoint security, identity and access control, security information and event management, and cloud-based protection. The Fortinet Security Fabric became the company's architectural framework for connecting these technologies so that telemetry, policy, and response could be coordinated across the network and security stack. The company became profitable in 2008 and completed an initial public offering in November 2009 under the ticker FTNT. Its growth strategy has combined internal product development, hardware and software integration, threat research, channel distribution, training, and acquisitions. Acquisitions such as Meru Networks, AccelOps, Bradford Networks, ZoneFox, enSilo, CyberSponse, OPAQ Networks, Panopta, ShieldX, Lacework, and Next DLP broadened Fortinet's presence in wireless access, analytics, access control, cloud security, incident management, application security, and data protection. Fortinet also operates FortiGuard Labs, an internal threat-intelligence and research organization, and has participated in industry information-sharing initiatives including the Cyber Threat Alliance. Its education programs, including the Network Security Expert certification program and the Fortinet Training Institute, address the cybersecurity skills shortage. The company sells through direct and channel routes to enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses, telecommunications providers, managed service providers, and public-sector organizations. Its products are deployed globally, although Fortinet announced the termination of sales, support, and professional services in Russia in 2022. Fortinet's brand positioning centers on integrated cybersecurity, high-throughput inspection, proprietary security processing hardware, and a unified operating model across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. Its principal commercial identity remains closely associated with FortiGate, while the broader Fortinet platform covers secure access, secure networking, cloud workload protection, security operations, and threat intelligence.

History

Fortinet began in 2000 when Ken Xie and Michael Xie founded Appligation, Inc. The company was later renamed ApSecure and then Fortinet, a name derived from the concept of fortified networks. Early financing supported development of an integrated security appliance, and the company created its first channel program in 2003. International distribution followed in Canada in late 2003 and the United Kingdom in early 2004, with additional offices and research activity established across North America, Europe, and Asia. Fortinet introduced FortiGate in 2002. Initially sold as a physical firewall appliance, FortiGate combined network firewalling with VPN, intrusion prevention, antivirus, antispam, and related security functions. This unified threat management approach became central to the company's identity. Over time, FortiGate was offered as both hardware and virtual appliances, while Fortinet incorporated purpose-built ASICs into portions of its portfolio to accelerate inspection and networking workloads. The company reached profitability in the third quarter of 2008 and completed its public offering in November 2009 on NASDAQ. During this period, Fortinet expanded beyond firewalls through acquisitions and new products. It acquired or obtained assets associated with database security, Ethernet switching, application hosting, load balancing, wireless networking, security analytics, access control, threat analytics, endpoint security, incident response, SASE, cloud security, and data loss prevention. Notable transactions included Meru Networks in 2015, AccelOps in 2016, Bradford Networks and ZoneFox in 2018, enSilo and CyberSponse in 2019, OPAQ Networks and Panopta in 2020, ShieldX and Sken.ai in 2021, and Lacework and Next DLP in 2024. Fortinet developed FortiGuard Labs as an internal security research group in 2005. The group supports threat intelligence, malware analysis, vulnerability research, and security services. In 2014, Fortinet helped establish the Cyber Threat Alliance with Palo Alto Networks, with other security companies joining later. The alliance promoted sharing of threat information, including research on CryptoWall ransomware. Fortinet also supplied intelligence to Interpol and participated in information-sharing arrangements involving NATO. From the middle of the 2010s, Fortinet increasingly presented its offerings as a connected Security Fabric rather than a collection of independent products. The architecture linked firewalls, switches, wireless access points, endpoints, sandboxes, security analytics, cloud services, and security operations tools. Fortinet added SIEM capabilities in 2016 and expanded the fabric to include broader network, endpoint, and cloud functions in 2017. Fortinet Federal was also created as a subsidiary serving government cybersecurity requirements. Education and workforce development became another part of the company's public profile. The Network Security Expert certification program began in 2014. In 2016, Fortinet launched the Network Security Academy and FortiVet, an initiative intended to help military veterans enter cybersecurity careers. In 2021, the company pledged to train one million people as part of efforts to address the cybersecurity labor shortage. Fortinet has also faced legal, regulatory, and security controversies. Trend Micro brought a patent dispute concerning antivirus functionality in FortiGate; the relevant patents were later invalidated. A 2005 German dispute involving source code for GPL-licensed components ended after Fortinet agreed to make the source available on request. Reports also linked Fortinet technology to internet censorship in Myanmar, which the company attributed to third-party distribution while noting applicable embargo obligations. In 2019, Fortinet settled a whistleblower case concerning allegedly mislabeled equipment sold to United States government end users, characterizing the matter as isolated. Separately, vulnerabilities in Fortinet products have periodically led to credential exposures and exploitation campaigns, underscoring the risks faced by a major security-vendor infrastructure estate.

2024
Lacework and Next DLP acquisitions
[1]Fortineten.wikipedia.org
Fortinet expanded its cloud-security and data-protection portfolio through acquisitions of Lacework and Next DLP.
2022
Russian operations terminated
[1]Fortineten.wikipedia.org
Fortinet stopped sales, support, and professional services in Russia.
2020
FortiAI and multi-cloud SD-WAN introduced
[1]Fortineten.wikipedia.org
Fortinet announced artificial-intelligence-assisted threat detection and a multi-cloud SD-WAN offering.
2016
Security Fabric and academy expanded
[1]Fortineten.wikipedia.org
Fortinet began building the Security Fabric architecture and launched its Network Security Academy.
2014
NSE certification launched
[1]Fortineten.wikipedia.org
Fortinet introduced its Network Security Expert professional certification program.
2009
NASDAQ listing
[1]Fortineten.wikipedia.org
Fortinet completed its initial public offering and began trading under FTNT.
2008
Profitability reached
[1]Fortineten.wikipedia.org
The company became profitable during the third quarter.
2005
FortiGuard Labs created
[1]Fortineten.wikipedia.org
Fortinet established its internal threat research and intelligence organization.
2002
FortiGate introduced
[1]Fortineten.wikipedia.org
Fortinet launched its first major product, a physical firewall appliance later expanded into a broad next-generation firewall platform.
2000
Company founded
[1]Fortineten.wikipedia.org
Ken Xie and Michael Xie founded the business that became Fortinet.

Products and positioning

Integrated, high-performance cybersecurity and secure networking built around a unified Security Fabric architecture.

Next-generation firewall and secure networking · 2002
FortiGate
FortiGate is Fortinet's foundational product family. It provides firewalling, VPN, intrusion prevention, application control, antivirus, web filtering, and secure SD-WAN functions. The range includes physical appliances, virtual machines, and cloud-oriented deployments. FortiGate hardware uses Fortinet-developed acceleration technologies in selected models to support high-throughput inspection.
Integrated cybersecurity architecture · 2016
Fortinet Security Fabric
The Security Fabric connects Fortinet's network, endpoint, access, cloud, analytics, and security-operations products. Its purpose is to share telemetry and coordinate policy and response across distributed environments rather than treating each security control as an isolated system.
Secure networking switches
FortiSwitch
FortiSwitch provides Ethernet switching designed to integrate with FortiGate and the Security Fabric. It supports enterprise and branch networking use cases, with centralized management and security-policy integration intended to connect wired access infrastructure with broader network protection.
Wireless access points
FortiAP
FortiAP is Fortinet's wireless access portfolio for enterprise, branch, and specialized high-density environments. The products are managed through Fortinet networking and security systems and are positioned as part of an integrated secure-access architecture.
Email security
FortiMail
FortiMail protects organizational email against spam, malware, phishing, and related messaging threats. It is offered as part of Fortinet's broader security portfolio and can use FortiGuard intelligence to improve detection and filtering.
Endpoint security and secure access
FortiClient
FortiClient provides endpoint protection and secure connectivity, including endpoint detection capabilities and VPN or zero-trust access functions. It connects user devices to Fortinet's network and security controls.
Security information and event management · 2016
FortiSIEM
FortiSIEM collects and analyzes security and operational events to support monitoring, correlation, investigation, and incident response. It became part of Fortinet's broader Security Fabric strategy as the company expanded into security operations.
Secure access service edge · 2020
FortiSASE
FortiSASE delivers security and access controls through a cloud-oriented service model for distributed users, branches, and applications. It extends Fortinet's secure networking approach beyond traditional appliance-based deployments.

Controversies

2024
SharePoint data breach
Fortinet confirmed that an attacker had accessed data from a company Microsoft SharePoint environment. The company said the exposed information included limited data relating to a small number of customers.
Source
2023
State-linked exploitation of FortiGate devices
Microsoft and Five Eyes partners reported a broad, continuing cyberattack targeting Fortinet FortiGuard or FortiGate devices and attributed the activity to a state-sponsored actor in China.
Source
2021
Fortinet VPN credential exposure
A large set of login names and passwords associated with Fortinet VPN devices was reportedly published online. The credentials were linked to devices affected by a 2018 vulnerability, CVE-2018-13379.
Source
2019
Whistleblower case over government sales
Fortinet settled a whistleblower lawsuit concerning allegedly intentionally mislabeled Chinese-made equipment sold to United States government end users. The company described the matter as an isolated incident.
Source
2005
GPL source-code dispute
A German court issued a preliminary injunction involving Fortinet's UK subsidiary and source code associated with GPL-licensed components. The matter ended after Fortinet agreed to make the relevant source code available on request.
Source
2005
Myanmar censorship controversy
An OpenNet study reported use of FortiGuard technology by Myanmar's military government in an internet-censorship context. Fortinet said its products were sold by third-party resellers and referenced its obligations concerning United States embargoes.
Source
2004
Trend Micro patent dispute
Trend Micro alleged that FortiGate products infringed patents concerning server-based antivirus technology. The dispute involved proceedings before the United States International Trade Commission, while the patents at issue were later declared invalid.
Source

2021One Million Cybersecurity Professionals pledge
United States · Global
Fortinet pledged to train one million people in response to public calls for action on the cybersecurity talent shortage.
Outcome. Positioned training and certification as part of Fortinet's social and industry-development agenda.
Source
2016Fortinet Network Security Academy
United States · Global education sector
Fortinet provided universities with equipment, information, and training resources intended to prepare students for cybersecurity careers and help address the shortage of qualified security professionals.
Outcome. Established an education and workforce-development channel for Fortinet technologies.
Source
2016FortiVet
United States
FortiVet was created to support recruitment of military veterans into cybersecurity roles.
Outcome. Expanded Fortinet's workforce-development and recruitment initiatives.
Source

Brand decisions

2024
Acquire Lacework and Next DLPM&A
Background
Cloud workloads and data-protection requirements were becoming more central to enterprise cybersecurity programs.
Action taken
Fortinet acquired Lacework and Next DLP to broaden its cloud-security and data-loss-prevention capabilities.
Aftermath
The acquisitions expanded Fortinet's platform beyond traditional network security into cloud and data-security use cases.
Source
2022
Terminate operations in RussiaStrategy
Background
Geopolitical conditions and sanctions-related compliance requirements affected technology companies operating in Russia.
Action taken
Fortinet stopped sales, support, and professional services in Russia.
Aftermath
Fortinet withdrew its direct commercial and service operations from the Russian market.
Source
2020
Launch FortiAI and multi-cloud SD-WANProduct launch
Background
Security teams faced growing volumes of alerts and increasingly distributed, multi-cloud network environments.
Action taken
Fortinet introduced FortiAI for artificial-intelligence-assisted threat detection and launched multi-cloud SD-WAN capabilities.
Aftermath
The moves extended Fortinet's positioning from appliance security toward automated and cloud-connected secure networking.
Source
2016
Build the Security Fabric architectureStrategy
Background
Customers increasingly required coordinated protection across networks, endpoints, cloud services, and security operations.
Action taken
Fortinet began connecting its product families through a common architecture for telemetry exchange, centralized control, and coordinated response.
Aftermath
The Security Fabric became the organizing framework for Fortinet's expanded cybersecurity portfolio.
Source

Recent events

2026-08-19
Fortinet acquires Virtue AI to expand AI runtime security[4]Fortinet收购Virtue AI以扩展AI运行时安全securityinfowatch.com
Reported: 2026-08-19
Fortinet has acquired Virtue AI, an AI security company focused on AI runtime protection, automated AI validation and security for autonomous AI systems, to advance its Security for AI strategy. Financial terms were not disclosed and Fortinet said the consideration is immaterial to its business.
Unconfirmed
Fortinet acquires Virtue AI to strengthen AI security[5]Fortinet收购Virtue AI以加强AI安全thefastmode.com
Reported: 2026-08-18
Fortinet announced it has acquired Virtue AI, an innovator in AI runtime protection, automated AI validation, and security for autonomous AI systems, advancing Fortinet's Security for AI strategy.
2026-08-17
Fortinet launches FortiGate 1200G firewall series with FortiSASE Outpost[6]Fortinet推出搭载FortiSASE Outpost的FortiGate 1200G系列防火墙tech.china.com
Fortinet announced the launch of the FortiGate 1200G series firewall, the newest member of the FortiGate G series, with built-in FortiSASE Outpost capability that allows cloud-delivered security services to be deployed in customer-controlled environments. The solution combines high-performance threat protection, modern networking, hardware root-of-trust platform security and cloud-delivered security, powered by Fortinet's FortiASIC architecture with 10G, 25G and 100G connectivity.
2026-08-11
OpenAI launches GPT 5.6 Cyber model for security partners[7]OpenAI发布面向安全合作伙伴的GPT 5.6 Cyber模型tech.ifeng.com
Reported: 2026-08-10
OpenAI developed a new model called GPT 5.6 Cyber for vulnerability research, penetration testing and incident response, available only to selected companies and security vendors through the Daybreak Cyber Partner program.
2021-12-22
Ooredoo and Fortinet announce collaboration on Enterprise EDGE[8]Ooredoo 与 Fortinet 宣布合作拓展 Enterprise EDGEmenafn.com
Reported: 2021-12-22
Ooredoo announced that it chose Fortinet to strengthen its Enterprise EDGE managed SD-WAN service with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN capabilities for business customers in Qatar.
2021-12-09
Fortinet wins 2021 Global SD-WAN Vendor Product Leadership Award[9]Fortinet获得2021年全球SD-WAN供应商产品领导力奖prnewswire.com
Reported: 2021-12-09
Fortinet received Frost & Sullivan's 2021 Global SD-WAN Vendor Product Leadership Award.
2021-12-04
TPG Telecom and Fortinet announce secure SD-WAN partnership[10]TPG Telecom与Fortinet宣布合作推出安全SD-WAN服务itwire.com
Reported: 2021-12-03
TPG Telecom and Fortinet announced the launch of TPG Telecom’s 5G-ready Secure SD-WAN solution, based on Fortinet’s Security Fabric platform, for business customers.
Unconfirmed
Fortinet receives Google Cloud 2020 Security Technology Partner of the Year award[11]Fortinet 获得 Google Cloud 2020 年安全技术年度合作伙伴奖ilonggotechblog.com
Fortinet announced that it had received the 2020 Google Cloud Global Technology Partner of the Year award for Security. The source does not state when the award was received.
2021-02-10
Ordr and Fortinet expand security partnership[12]Ordr 与 Fortinet 扩大安全合作prnewswire.com
Reported: 2021-02-10
Ordr and Fortinet announced an expanded partnership to provide an integrated security solution for network-connected devices, combining Ordr Systems Control Engine with the Fortinet Security Fabric.
2020-08-18
Fortinet and IBM partner on cybersecurity training[13]Fortinet 与 IBM 合作推出网路安全培训infosecurity-magazine.com
Reported: 2020-08-18
Fortinet and IBM announced a collaboration integrating Fortinet's Network Security Expert training and certification curriculum into IBM's SkillsBuild digital platform.

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