FortiClient
FortiClient is a macOS security and remote access app used to connect to Fortinet VPN and zero-trust network access services.
What is FortiClient?
FortiClient is a security and remote access app for macOS that helps people connect to company networks and protected business applications. It is commonly used by employees, contractors, students, and IT-managed device users who need secure VPN access or policy-based access to internal resources. On Mac, it can be used as a VPN client for SSL VPN and IPsec connections, and some editions also support zero-trust access and organization-managed endpoint security features. In managed environments, administrators may deploy it with settings, authentication methods, and compliance checks already configured. Many users encounter FortiClient as part of workplace onboarding, remote work, campus access, or secure access to systems behind a Fortinet firewall.
Key features
- Connect to corporate networks with SSL VPN
- Set up IPsec VPN connections for secure remote access
- Use single sign-on and MFA-enabled sign-in workflows when configured
- Access internal apps and resources through organization-managed secure access policies
- Store and reuse connection profiles for regular work or school access
- Work with centrally managed settings when deployed by an IT administrator
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
FortiClient is legitimate software from Fortinet and its network extensions, login items, and VPN configuration prompts are consistent with a remote access and endpoint security app. On macOS, some deployments may request permissions related to network extensions, background operation, notifications, or security features managed by an organization. If your Mac is personally owned or you did not expect a workplace VPN tool, check who installed it and review any organization profile, VPN configuration, or management enrollment before signing in.
Recommendation: Keep FortiClient if you use a Fortinet VPN, connect to a work or school network, or your organization manages secure access through it. If you no longer use that service, you can remove the app, but saved VPN profiles and organization-managed access for that Mac may stop working. If it was installed unexpectedly, confirm with your employer, school, or IT admin before making changes.
Common paths
/Applications/FortiClient.app
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/FortiClient
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.fortinet.FortiClient.plist
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