Fortinet Deprecates SSL VPN: What This Means and Why It Matters

Fortinet Deprecates SSL VPN: What This Means and Why It Matters

Fortinet has recently deprecated the use of SSL VPN tunnel mode across all FortiGate appliances starting with FortiOS 7.6.3. This decision marks a significant shift in how enterprises must approach remote connectivity using Fortinet infrastructure.

The Problem with SSL VPN

SSL VPNs have long been a popular method for secure remote access, especially due to their ease of deployment and compatibility with restrictive networks (since they use HTTPS ports). However, Fortinet's SSL VPN has faced numerous security challenges in recent years. High-profile vulnerabilities—some actively exploited in the wild—have led to a growing number of breaches. These include authentication bypass flaws, heap buffer overflows, and weaknesses in session management.

The accumulation of security incidents has clearly eroded trust in SSL VPN as a robust remote access method. Fortinet's decision appears to be a direct response to this risk landscape. By removing support for SSL VPN tunnel mode, the company aims to reduce the attack surface and encourage customers to transition to what they consider a more secure alternative.

The Suggested Replacement: IPsec VPN

In place of SSL VPN, Fortinet recommends migrating to IPsec VPN. IPsec is a well-established standard that offers strong encryption and secure communication channels. It’s been a staple of VPN technology for decades.

However, IPsec does come with its own trade-offs. Configuration can be more complex compared to SSL VPN, and it often requires additional components such as FortiToken or other MFA solutions to ensure secure access. While effective, IPsec can feel a bit dated and less agile, particularly in environments requiring rapid, dynamic scaling or user-friendly onboarding.

From a performance perspective, IPsec tends to require more CPU resources and is more sensitive to NAT traversal issues. It also typically uses UDP ports 500 and 4500, which may be blocked in restrictive network environments—unlike SSL VPN, which can operate over port 443. Additionally, IPsec's large and aging codebase introduces higher maintenance complexity and a larger potential attack surface.

Jimber: A Modern Approach to Secure Remote Access

At Jimber, we’ve taken a different approach by leveraging WireGuard as the core tunneling technology in our ZTNA component of the SASE platform. WireGuard is a next-generation VPN protocol that is faster, more secure, and significantly more efficient than legacy solutions like IPsec.

Technology Comparison at a Glance

In addition to performance benefits, our implementation includes a "stealth mode" feature. This allows WireGuard traffic to be tunneled over HTTPS, making it indistinguishable from regular web traffic. The result? Our SASE connections remain functional in highly restrictive environments like China, Turkey, and Egypt—where traditional VPNs and IPsec-based solutions are often blocked.

We also simplify secure access with seamless multi-factor authentication. Jimber supports native integration with your existing identity providers such as Microsoft, Google, and others. This eliminates the need for clunky hardware tokens or separate authentication apps.

Conclusion

As Fortinet phases out SSL VPN in favor of IPsec, many organizations are left evaluating their options for secure remote access. Jimber offers a future-proof alternative—one that embraces modern cryptography, ensures global connectivity, and delivers enterprise-grade security with unmatched usability. If you’re planning your next-generation remote access strategy, it’s time to look beyond legacy VPNs and embrace the next evolution in secure networking.

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