Enhancing Cybersecurity with Fortinet’s Cyber Threat Assessment Program

Background

A leading financial services firm, known for its robust client portfolio and extensive digital infrastructure, recognized the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the necessity for enhanced security measures. To address these concerns, the firm engaged Fortinet’s Cyber Threat Assessment Program (CTAP).

Objectives

The primary goals were:

• Identify existing vulnerabilities and security risks.
•  Evaluate the effectiveness of current security protocols.
• Gain insights into network utilization and performance.

Methodology  

The assessment involved a week-long monitoring of the firm’s network using Fortinet’s advanced threat detection tools. This process was non-intrusive, ensuring no disruption to daily operations.

Findings

The CTAP revealed critical insights:

• Security Risks: The assessment identified multiple application vulnerabilities being exploited, detection of malware and botnets, and instances of phishing attacks that bypassed existing defenses.
• Productivity Issues: The firm’s network was handling significant traffic from peer-to-peer applications and social media, which was affecting bandwidth and productivity.
• Utilization and Performance: Peak usage times showed high bandwidth consumption, leading to potential performance bottlenecks.

Outcomes

Based on the CTAP findings, the firm implemented several strategic changes:

• Enhanced Security Protocols: Fortinet recommended and deployed advanced firewalls and intrusion prevention systems to close identified vulnerabilities.
• Optimized Network Traffic: The firm restricted non-essential applications and improved bandwidth allocation for critical business applications.
• Improved Monitoring and Response: Continuous monitoring tools were installed to provide real-time threat detection and response capabilities.

Benefits

Post-implementation, the firm reported:

• A 40% reduction in malicious traffic.
• Improved network performance during peak hours.
• Enhanced overall cybersecurity posture, leading to increased client trust and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion  

Fortinet’s CTAP provided the firm with a clear understanding of its cybersecurity landscape, allowing it to take informed actions to mitigate risks and improve network efficiency. This proactive approach not only safeguarded their operations but also positioned them as a trusted entity in the financial services sector.
For more information about our complimentary Cyber Threat Assessment Program and how it can benefit your organization, visit.