Future Proofing a National Intelligence Network

Customer Perspectives

National security has always relied on intelligence. The more intelligence available, the better. Increasingly, national security agencies are also looking at ways to ensure that data can be shared easily and securely among themselves so that the right people can quickly access vital information.

However, collecting and sharing data can be a challenge. With data volumes shooting up, agencies need highly scalable infrastructure to support their data processing requirements. Meanwhile, the growing sophistication of hackers and an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment means securing intelligence-sharing capabilities is more vital than ever.

One national intelligence-sharing network for counterterrorism recently faced just this set of challenges. Its existing data center had reached capacity, and it was struggling to support higher volumes of data processing. The time had come to future-proof its data center network and embed greater levels of security, visibility, and control.

A Four-Pillar Architecture for Resilient Networking

Following a robust selection process, the customer decided on Fortinet as its networking and security partner of choice. Today, the organization is working with Fortinet to build a new data center network based on the Fortinet Security Fabric and an innovative four-pillar architecture. The solution leverages FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) at the agency’s four pillar sites: data center, near data center, disaster recovery, and near disaster recovery. The sites will operate at full capacity with mutual backup support for a highly resilient network.

The FortiGate NGFWs will be augmented by FortiGuard AI-Powered Security Services, a suite of AI-powered security capabilities designed to protect application content, web traffic, devices, and users. The customer will use the FortiGuard Unified Threat Protection (UTP) Bundle, which includes an intrusion prevention system (IPS), advanced malware protection, and web filtering security services.

The organization will also deploy Fortinet’s AI-powered FortiSandbox solution for protection against zero-day and sophisticated cyberthreats to further enhance its security posture and the reliability of the architecture. This solution ensures that all data and traffic undergo comprehensive analysis and threat detection to isolate and mitigate potential security threats, including malware, ransomware, and unknown or zero-day threats. The customer’s FortiGate NGFW and its integrated capabilities deliver security across the internet and its MPLS (multiprotocol label switching) segments and safeguard east-west data flows within the network.

To increase visibility and control, the organization will use the FortiAnalyzer central logging and analysis solution and FortiManager for its unified management console. The customer can also manage devices locally if necessary to increase operational efficiency.

Fortinet will support the Security Fabric solution through FortiCare Professional Services, designing and deploying the solution using best-practice methodologies and designated engineer services. FortiCare Professional Services uses a statement-of-work-based model for a fixed-price, outcome-based, and customized engagement. The customer will also use FortiCare Premium Support for ongoing round-the-clock technical assistance and secure return merchandise authorization (RMA) service, which enables rapid hardware replacement when required.

A Secure, Resilient, and Scalable Intelligence Network

Working with Fortinet, this intelligence network provider is implementing a best-in-class operations environment. The simplified approach to network management enabled by FortiManager will reduce the daily management workload for the organization’s staff and provide complete visibility of its four-pillar architecture on a single console.

Meanwhile, the overall network's resiliency and performance will increase application uptime, resulting in a much-improved user experience. Most importantly, with the Fortinet Security Fabric in place, the organization will benefit from a scalable solution that will enable it to provide a secure and high-performing intelligence network for multiple national intelligence agencies.

Looking ahead, the customer is already planning to extend its Fortinet footprint by implementing FortiEDR endpoint detection and response and FortiSOAR security orchestration, automation, and response. As with its current deployment, it will aim to deliver an intelligence network its users can rely on in their vital work of ensuring national security.

Learn how Fortinet can optimize performance, security, and resiliency within data center environments.