Fortinet AI SecurityFortinet LAN EdgeBlogFortinet Secure NetworkingFortinet Next-Generation FirewallsFortinet
Blog • • 3 minute read

FortiWeb Protects Web Applications and APIs

FortiWeb, like Fortinet's NGFW FortiGate, also earns recognition as a leader and outperformer in Application and API Security (AAS) GigaOm Market Radar.

FortiWeb provides robust protection for web applications and APIs against OWASP Top-10 threats, sophisticated bots, and denial-of-service attacks. It includes advanced features such as anomaly detection, API discovery and protection, bot mitigation, and advanced threat analytics. Powered by machine learning, FortiWeb minimizes zero-day exploit risks while reducing administrative overhead. Through the FortiFlex program, it delivers flexible service options and cost optimization.

API protection

FortiWeb secures API interfaces, including those built with XML, JSON API or RESTful API, by analyzing the content of each call and enforcing WAF policies to block malicious traffic. Leveraging machine learning, FortiWeb automatically identifies APIs by evaluating application traffic. It creates a positive security model for schema specifications (OpenAPI, XML, JSON) and integrates API protection seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines to defend against API exploits.

Bot defense

FortiWeb rapidly safeguards websites, mobile apps, and APIs from automated threats by analyzing client events and suspicious behavior patterns. It effectively blocks malicious bots while allowing beneficial ones, such as search engines and performance monitoring tools. Advanced techniques like bot deception, biometric detection, and machine learning ensure precise bot traffic management without relying on user-disruptive methods like CAPTCHAs.

Web application security

FortiWeb protects web applications against known and unknown threats, including AI-driven zero-day attacks, while maintaining seamless access for legitimate users. Using dual-layer machine learning, it streamlines application modeling, reduces false positives, and prioritizes remediation efforts. FortiGuard Labs' Web Application Security Service enhances FortiWeb's capabilities with real-time intelligence on vulnerabilities, bots, suspicious URLs and advanced heuristic detection.

OWASP top 10 security risks addressed by FortiWeb include:

  • Cross-site scripting (XSS)
  • SQL Injection
  • Remote and Local File Inclusion
  • OS Command Injection
  • Trojans and Viruses
  • Exploits
  • Sensitive Server Information Disclosure
  • Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Leaks

Recognition and challenges

The Gigaom Radar Report recognized FortiWeb as a Leader in the Maturity and Platform Play quadrant and as an Outperformer in Feature Play and Innovation categories. Key strengths include:

  • Compliance reporting capabilities
  • Blocking traffic based on compliance issues
  • Comprehensive data leak prevention

Challenges highlighted by Gigaom Radar Report include:

  • Limited control through non-Fortinet interfaces and management complexity across various platforms. While SaaS deployment and API integrations mitigate these issues, they contributed to a below-average ease-of-use score.
  • Despite these challenges, FortiWeb received high marks for license simplicity and is well-positioned to maintain its Outperformer status with the continued integration of FortiAI and enhanced machine learning functionality.

FortiManager and FortiAI integration

FortiWeb integrates with FortiManager for centralized and streamlined management. Additionally, FortiAI is now available for FortiWeb, enabling easier attack mitigation and policy development.

Conclusion

FortiWeb delivers the performance, manageability, and extensive protection needed to secure modern web applications. It is available in various form factors, including hardware, virtual machines and SaaS, and can be found in public cloud marketplaces.

Technologies