District School Board Protects Its Network and Users with FortiSASE
2025-05-01T15:00:00Z
Read how a school board expands its Fortinet platform implementing FortiSASE to enhance cybersecurity across its network with improved efficiency and protection. …
With the prevalence of technology in education, it is imperative for school boards to safeguard sensitive data and maintain robust network security. Across the country, each regional school district establishes IT best practices and develops reference architectures that standardize and enhance cybersecurity. These frameworks ensure that the country’s district school boards stay secure against cyberthreats and enable them to focus on building safe and effective learning environments.
Download the report to find out how Gartner® defines the SASE market and what Gartner® has to say about Fortinet and the other SASE vendors.
Upgrading to High-Performance SASE
One large school board, comprising approximately 35,000 students and 4,500 employees, received funding from its local school district to upgrade its SD-WAN infrastructure to a secure access service edge (SASE) solution. However, the board’s legacy investment in a three-year security service edge (SSE) license for 40,000 users came with severe performance issues and technical constraints. As the contract concluded, it became clear that the board needed to seek a more efficient and reliable SSE solution.
Having already deployed Fortinet Secure SD-WAN as well as secure networking, switching, and security operations solutions from Fortinet, it made sense for the district school board to evaluate FortiSASE, Fortinet’s SSE solution, part of Unified SASE, for its network modernization needs. FortiSASE delivers secure access to applications and web resources for remote users and secures applications and data on any cloud.
A critical requirement for the SSE solution was compatibility with agentless devices, as 30,000 of the board’s 40,000 devices are Chromebooks that do not support on-device agents. Additionally, the solution needed to support more than 90 SD-WAN sites and offer a comprehensive suite of security features, including safe browsing, ensuring robust protection across the board’s extensive network.
During a proof of concept (POC) conducted by the board, FortiSASE was distinguished by its user-friendly interface, which was familiar from the board’s existing Fortinet solutions. Fortinet showcased how FortiSASE could align with the board’s specific use cases and integrate seamlessly into its existing Fortinet Security Fabric. Additionally, the solution offered features such as zero-trust network access (ZTNA) and cloud access security broker (CASB) at no additional cost, marking a significant enhancement over the previous SSE solution. Another compelling factor was Fortinet’s recognition as a Challenger in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Single-Vendor SASE.
The school board has deployed FortiSASE to its 40,000 users, complemented by FortiGuard AI-Powered Security Services, which provide comprehensive, consistent, and automated threat detection, analysis, and response across its large network of over 90 sites.
Consistent Security Everywhere
Through its Fortinet Security Fabric, the board has seamlessly integrated the FortiSASE solution with its existing networking and security infrastructure. The board centrally manages Fortinet Secure SD-WAN and FortiSASE policies using its FortiManager management software system and operation tool with FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) installed at each location.
By switching to FortiSASE, the board has successfully resolved the performance and technical challenges that characterized its previous SSE solution. Now, it benefits from enhanced operational efficiency, superior performance, and exceptional support from Fortinet’s dedicated account and technical teams. This positive experience stands in significant contrast to the relationship with the board’s former SSE vendor. Additionally, Fortinet provides simplified licensing and feature bundles that provide substantial added value.
The combined strength of FortiSASE and FortiGuard AI-Powered Security Services is set to offer more robust and consistent protection for the board’s students, teachers, and staff. Replacing the board’s limited SSE solution, FortiSASE will introduce significant enhancements on devices running the FortiClient Unified Agent, including endpoint posture assessment, software inventory management, vulnerability alerts, and the opportunity for comprehensive endpoint protection.
The board’s collaboration with Fortinet enables it to provide a safer, more secure digital environment for its students, teachers, and staff, while meeting the security design requirements set out by its school district . Fortinet has provided a flexible networking foundation that can help the board deliver high-performing and secure digital learning experiences across its schools whether working on-site or remotely.
Learn more about Fortinet Unified SASE.
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