The increase in remote working and hybrid workforces following the Covid-19 pandemic has created massive demand for suitable technology. According to recent research, 54% of the South African workforce is now either hybrid or fully remote. This significantly expands an organisation’s attack surface and further complicates enterprise security. To address this, South African businesses are increasingly adding cloud-delivered services to securely connect hybrid employees.

Fortinet’s Unified secure access service edge (SASE) seamlessly integrates essential networking and security technologies to support the hybrid workforce. Its innovative approach ensures secure access for remote workers, no matter where they are, safeguarding applications and data on any cloud. The solution offers a high-performance and scalable cloud network with best-in-class AI-powered security, unified management and end-to-end digital experience monitoring. By integrating with SD-WAN and a cloud-delivered security service edge, Fortinet’s Unified SASE also delivers networking and security to the network edge and microbranches, ensuring secure access to web, corporate and SaaS applications.

In 2023, Fortinet partnered with Google Cloud and Digital Realty (Teraco in South Africa) to accelerate the expansion of Fortinet’s Unified SASE globally, which has surpassed over 140 locations worldwide and continues to expand. Fortinet customers now have broader access to cloud-delivered security and connectivity for their distributed workforce, enabling them to seamlessly embrace the convergence of networking and security.

“The company’s investment in South Africa through this latest launch signifies our dedication to enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity landscape,” said Doros Hadjizenonos, Fortinet’s regional director for Southern Africa. “With the proliferation of remote and hybrid work, demand for cloud-delivered security that transcends traditional network boundaries has become paramount. Fortinet’s strengthened presence with the addition of this new POP will enable us to meet the needs of this growing market and address the critical security challenges faced in today’s digital landscape.”