How policy matching works

Firewall

 

 

Policy

Go to Firewall > Policy to add firewall policies to control connections and traffic between FortiGate interfaces, zones, and VLAN subinterfaces.

The firewall matches policies by searching for a match starting at the top of the policy list and moving down until it finds the first match. You must arrange policies in the policy list from more specific to more general. For example, the default policy is a very general policy because it matches all connection attempts. When you create exceptions to that policy, you must add them to the policy list above the default policy. No policy below the default policy will ever be matched.

This section describes:

How policy matching works

Policy list

Policy options

Advanced policy options

Configuring firewall policies

How policy matching works

When the FortiGate unit receives a connection attempt at an interface, it selects a policy list to search through for a policy that matches the connection attempt. The FortiGate unit chooses the policy list based on the source and destination addresses of the connection attempt.

The FortiGate unit then starts at the top of the selected policy list and searches down the list for the first policy that matches the connection attempt source and destination addresses, service port, and time and date at which the connection attempt was received. The first policy that matches is applied to the connection attempt. If no policy matches, the connection is dropped. So, as a general rule, always order your firewall policies from most specific to most general.

Note: Policies that require authentication must be added to the policy list above matching policies that do not; otherwise, the policy that does not require authentication is selected first.

Policy list

You can add, delete, edit, re-order, enable, and disable policies in the policy list.

Figure 79: Sample policy list

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100A specifications

Fortinet 100A is a versatile network security device designed to provide comprehensive protection against various cyber threats while ensuring optimal network performance. As part of the FortiGate series, the 100A combines advanced security features with powerful hardware capabilities, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

One of the key features of the Fortinet 100A is its deep packet inspection technology. This capability allows the firewall to analyze both the header and payload of packets traversing the network, enabling it to detect and block malicious content effectively. The 100A can identify and mitigate a wide range of threats, including malware, intrusions, and application-layer attacks.

The FortiOS operating system powers the Fortinet 100A, offering a robust and user-friendly interface for configuration and management. With its unified security management console, administrators can efficiently monitor network traffic and enforce security policies across the organization. The system provides centralized logging and reporting features, enabling users to gain valuable insights into their security posture and respond swiftly to incidents.

The 100A supports multiple deployment modes, including transparent, NAT, and route modes. This flexibility allows organizations to integrate the device into their existing network architecture with ease. The firewall's high throughput capabilities ensure that network performance remains unaffected, even under heavy load from multiple users and devices.

Another notable aspect of the Fortinet 100A is its support for various VPN technologies, including IPsec and SSL VPN. This feature facilitates secure remote access for employees, enabling them to connect to the corporate network safely, regardless of their location. As remote work continues to be a norm in many sectors, this capability is critical for maintaining productivity and security.

In addition to these features, the Fortinet 100A provides comprehensive web filtering capabilities, protecting users from harmful websites and inappropriate content. This protection is essential for organizations looking to maintain a secure and productive environment.

With its combination of powerful security features, flexible deployment options, and robust performance, the Fortinet 100A stands out as an ideal solution for organizations seeking to bolster their cybersecurity measures while ensuring seamless connectivity for users. As cyber threats continue to evolve, investing in a capable device like the FortiGate 100A is crucial for maintaining a secure network infrastructure.