Fortigate Active Directory Integration
Hello everyone , in this video I will integrate my fortigate firewall with windows active directory , by doing this I can write the policies based on logged on users to their desktops , for example for one security group I can write a policy that can be access to facebook and for another group facebook will be blocked , or allow internet just for specific users that raised in security. Writing policies is depend on your environment.
1. Understanding Active Directory:
- Active Directory is a Microsoft directory service that stores information about objects on a network, such as users, computers, groups, and more.
- It provides centralized authentication and authorization services for network resources.
2. Purpose of Integration:
- Integrating FortiGate with Active Directory helps streamline user authentication and access control for network resources.
- It simplifies user management by allowing administrators to use AD user accounts for firewall policies.
3. Steps for FortiGate Active Directory Integration:
a. Configuration in Active Directory: – Ensure your Active Directory is properly configured with user accounts, groups, and organizational units (OUs).
b. FortiGate Web Interface Access: – Access the FortiGate web interface using a web browser.
c. Create a New LDAP Server Object: – Navigate to the “System” menu and select “Authentication” > “LDAP Servers.” – Click “Create New” to add a new LDAP server object. – Configure the LDAP server settings, including the server’s IP address or hostname, port (typically 389 for LDAP, 636 for LDAPS), and authentication credentials (usually a service account in AD).
d. Test LDAP Server Connectivity: – After configuring the LDAP server object, you can test the connectivity to ensure FortiGate can communicate with your AD server.
e. Create LDAP Authentication Group: – Go to “User & Device” > “User Definition” > “LDAP Servers.” – Create an LDAP authentication group and specify the LDAP server you created earlier.
f. Define Firewall Policies: – Create firewall policies that use LDAP authentication groups for user-based access control. – For example, you can define policies that allow or deny access to specific resources based on user group membership.
g. User Authentication: – When a user attempts to access a network resource, FortiGate will use the LDAP server to verify the user’s credentials. – Users will need to enter their AD username and password for authentication.
4. Additional Considerations:
- Security: Ensure secure communication between FortiGate and Active Directory by using LDAPS (LDAP over SSL/TLS) for encrypted communication.
- User Mapping: FortiGate can map AD groups to local FortiGate groups, simplifying policy management.
- Fallback Mechanisms: Configure fallback authentication methods in case the LDAP server is unreachable or for users not in AD.
5. Monitoring and Maintenance:
- Regularly monitor the integration for any issues, such as LDAP server connectivity problems or changes in AD group memberships.
- Keep FortiGate and Active Directory servers up-to-date with security patches.