Which method does FortiGate use to differentiate legitimate traffic from malicious traffic?

FortiGate utilizes a combination of signatures and behavioral analysis to accurately distinguish between legitimate and malicious traffic. This multifaceted approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of network activity and security threats.

Signature-based detection relies on identified patterns or signatures associated with known threats, effectively recognizing malware or harmful traffic by comparing it against a database of previously identified threats. However, this method alone may not be sufficient, as it may struggle with zero-day vulnerabilities or new attack types that do not have existing signatures.

Behavioral analysis, on the other hand, evaluates the behavior of traffic over time, looking for unusual patterns or anomalies that could indicate malicious activity. This is especially beneficial in identifying previously unknown threats or sophisticated attacks that avoid detection by traditional signature-based methods. By monitoring how users and systems behave, FortiGate can catch threats that might otherwise slip through the cracks.

By integrating these two methodologies, FortiGate enhances its ability to detect both known and unknown threats effectively, improving overall network security. This combined approach ensures a more robust defense against a wide range of cyber threats compared to relying on just one detection method.