How to Enable SSO in FortiClient for macOS VPN

We know how crucial secure remote access is for our macOS users. FortiClient supports SAML authentication for easy SSL VPN connections. This lets our team use single sign-on (SSO) for better security. We’ll show you how to set up SAML SSO in FortiClient for macOS VPN. This makes VPN access secure and easy for everyone.

With SAML authentication in our FortiClient VPN, we use a centralized identity provider (IdP) for user authentication. This creates a secure SSL VPN tunnel to the FortiGate. It boosts our remote access security and makes logging in easier for our macOS users. This leads to better productivity and happier users.

Understanding SAML Authentication for SSL VPN

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is a key standard for secure user authentication and authorization. It connects an identity provider (IdP) with a service provider (SP). In SSL VPN, SAML makes logging in easier and safer.

What is SAML Authentication?

SAML authentication lets users log in with an IdP. The IdP then sends a secure claim to the SP. This gives the user access to the SSL VPN without needing to log in again. It makes logging in faster and easier.

Benefits of Using SAML SSO

• Streamlined login experience: SAML SSO lets users log in once and access many applications, including the SSL VPN, without re-entering their details.
• Reduced password fatigue: It centralizes user authentication, reducing the need to remember many passwords. This improves user productivity and satisfaction.
• Enhanced security: SAML authentication checks user identities and grants access based on set policies. This ensures secure access.
• Improved compliance: SAML SSO meets industry standards for identity and access management. It helps organizations follow regulatory requirements.

Learning about SAML authentication and its benefits helps organizations improve SSL VPN access. It makes logging in smoother and strengthens identity management.

Prerequisites for Setting Up SAML SSO in FortiClient

To set up SAML single sign-on (SSO) in your FortiClient VPN, you need a few things ready. First, you must have a FortiGate device set up as the SAML service provider (SP). Also, you need a FortiAuthenticator or FortiGate as the identity provider (IdP) for authentication.

Next, make sure FortiClient is installed on the macOS devices that will use the VPN. And, all the certificates, URLs, and settings must be correct on both the SP and IdP for smooth SAML SSO.

SAML SSO Prerequisites Checklist:

• Configured FortiGate as the SAML service provider (SP)
• Configured FortiAuthenticator or FortiGate as the identity provider (IdP)
• Installed FortiClient on macOS devices
• Properly configured certificates, URLs, and other settings on both SP and IdP

With these key steps ready, you’re set to create a secure and efficient SAML SSO solution for your FortiClient VPN on macOS devices.

Configuring the FortiGate as a Service Provider (SP)

To set up SAML authentication for your SSL VPN, start by making the FortiGate a SAML service provider (SP). This means creating a SAML user, putting the user in a group, and turning on the SAML group in SSL VPN settings. Let’s go through the steps.

Setting Up the SAML User

In the FortiGate web interface, go to User & Authentication > SAML and click Create New to add a new SAML user. You’ll need to fill in some details:

• Name: Pick a name for the SAML user, like “SAML-VPN-User”.
• SAML Service Provider Entity ID: This is your FortiGate’s unique SAML ID, usually “https://fgt.example.com/saml”.
• Single Sign-On URL: The URL where the identity provider (IdP) sends the SAML response after login.
• Single Logout URL: The URL where the IdP sends the logout request after the user logs out.
• IdP Certificate: Upload the IdP’s certificate to validate SAML assertions.

Adding the SAML User to a User Group

Then, create a SAML user group and add the SAML user to it. Go to User & Authentication > User Groups and click Create New. Name the group something like “SAML-VPN-Users” and add the SAML user you made before.

Enabling the SAML Group in SSL VPN Settings

Lastly, turn on the SAML user group in SSL VPN settings. Go to VPN > SSL-VPN Settings and find the Authentication/Portal section. Under Authentication Rules, click Create New and pick the SAML group you made. This lets users in that group log in to the SSL VPN with SAML.

With the FortiGate set up as the SAML service provider, you’re ready to set up the identity provider (IdP). In this case, it will be a FortiAuthenticator.

Configuring FortiAuthenticator as the Identity Provider (IdP)

To make VPN access easier for your users, we’ll set up FortiAuthenticator as the SAML identity provider (IdP). First, we create a new service provider. Then, we define settings to connect it with the FortiGate as the SAML service provider (SP). We can also add local, RADIUS, and LDAP users to the FortiAuthenticator for SAML authentication.

Creating a New Service Provider

In the FortiAuthenticator web interface, go to the “Identity Providers” section and click “Create New.” You’ll need to fill in details like the entity ID, ACS URL, and more. This info helps the FortiGate connect securely with the FortiAuthenticator SAML IdP configuration.

Adding Local, RADIUS, and LDAP Users

To use the FortiAuthenticator SAML service provider setup, add local, RADIUS, and LDAP users. This way, your current user directory works for SAML authentication. It makes signing in smoother for your local user, RADIUS user, and LDAP user.

After these steps, you’ve set up the FortiAuthenticator as the SAML identity provider. This means secure and easy VPN access for your users.

how to enable sso in forticlient for macos vpn

Adding SAML single sign-on (SSO) to FortiClient for macOS VPN makes logging in easier for our users. It uses our current identity provider (IdP) to check who’s logging in and lets them into the VPN safely.

To start SAML SSO in FortiClient for macOS VPN, we must set the VPN to use SAML for authentication. We do this by choosing the “Enable Single Sign On (SSO) for VPN Tunnel” option when setting up the FortiClient macOS VPN connection. After turning this on, FortiClient will send users to the IdP for login when they try to connect to the VPN.

The SAML SSO setup means users can get into the VPN easily with their IdP login, no extra info needed. This makes things better for the user and makes the VPN tunnel setup stronger by using SAML’s strong check-in methods.

By following the steps from before, you can set up the FortiGate as a SAML service provider and the FortiAuthenticator as the identity provider. With everything set, you can turn on SAML SSO in FortiClient for macOS VPN. This lets your users log in to the VPN with their IdP info.

Connecting to a VPN Tunnel Using SAML Authentication

Connecting to a VPN tunnel with SAML authentication starts with the FortiClient app. It opens a browser window for the user to log in with an Identity Provider (IdP). The user then enters their SAML details. After a successful login, FortiClient sets up the SSL VPN tunnel to the FortiGate.

Initiating the SAML Login Process

The SAML login starts when the user tries to connect to the VPN. FortiClient shows an embedded browser window. Here, users enter their SAML login info. This makes logging in smooth and secure.

Authenticating with the IdP

After entering their SAML details, the user’s credentials are checked by the IdP. If the check is good, FortiClient connects to the FortiGate through an SSL VPN tunnel. This method uses the user’s IdP login to securely access the VPN.

Saving VPN Passwords with SAML SSO

Using FortiClient VPN with SAML SSO lets us save our VPN login passwords. This is super handy, as we don’t have to type in our details every time we connect. But, it works best if the Identity Provider (IdP) like Azure or Okta supports persistent sessions.

Persistent Sessions in Azure and Okta

If Azure or Okta supports persistent sessions, FortiClient can keep our SAML password safe. This means we can connect to the VPN without needing to log in again. It saves us time and makes using the VPN better.

But, if the IdP doesn’t support persistent sessions, FortiClient can’t save our SAML password. Then, we’ll have to enter our login details every time we connect to the VPN.

Knowing if the IdP supports persistent sessions helps us have a smooth FortiClient VPN password saving experience. This is key when using SAML SSO persistent sessions with Azure or Okta.

Installing FortiClient VPN on macOS

Getting a secure VPN is key, especially when working from home or accessing private info. FortiClient VPN is a trusted option that brings strong security and easy setup with macOS. Here’s how to get FortiClient VPN on your Mac.

Start by downloading the newest FortiClient from the Fortinet website. Just go to the Fortinet downloads page and find the installer for your macOS.

1. Open the downloaded DMG file to start the FortiClient installer.
2. Run the FortiClientUpdate installer to follow the setup steps.
3. You might be asked to let FortiClient change your system settings. Saying yes lets the VPN work right on your Mac.

After setting up, you’re set to configure your VPN and use the FortiClient VPN on your macOS device. Setting up the VPN client is easy and clear, so you can quickly connect to your work’s resources safely.

Just follow these easy steps to put the FortiClient VPN on your macOS computer. It gives you better security and access, whether you’re working remotely or accessing private data. The FortiClient VPN is a dependable way to keep your online activities safe.

Configuring FortiClient VPN Connection on macOS

After installing the FortiClient VPN client on your macOS device, it’s time to set up your VPN connection. This includes setting the remote gateway, enabling single sign-on (SSO) for SAML authentication, and saving the connection for easy access.

Setting Up the VPN Connection

To set up the FortiClient VPN connection on macOS, follow these steps:

1. Open the FortiClient application on your Mac.
2. Click on the “VPN” tab and then select the “Add” button to create a new VPN connection.
3. In the “Connection Name” field, enter a descriptive name for your VPN connection.
4. For the “Remote Gateway” setting, enter the address or hostname of your FortiGate VPN server.
5. Choose the appropriate VPN tunnel type, such as SSL-VPN or IPsec VPN, depending on your organization’s configuration.
6. Click “Save” to create the VPN connection.

Enabling Single Sign-On (SSO)

To enable single sign-on (SSO) for your FortiClient VPN connection on macOS, follow these steps:

1. In the FortiClient application, select the VPN connection you just created.
2. Click on the “Edit” button to access the connection settings.
3. Check the “Enable Single Sign On (SSO) for VPN Tunnel” option.
4. If prompted, enter your SAML authentication credentials to enable SSO.
5. Click “Save” to apply the changes and enable SAML SSO for the VPN connection.

By enabling the “Enable Single Sign On (SSO) for VPN Tunnel” feature, you can seamlessly authenticate to the VPN using your SAML credentials. This provides a more convenient and secure access experience.

Troubleshooting SAML SSO Issues

Setting up SAML SSO between FortiClient VPN and your identity provider (IdP) on macOS can be tricky. But, with the right steps, we can fix any problems quickly.

Certificate errors are a common issue. Make sure the SSL/TLS certificate from your FortiGate is trusted by the IdP. Also, check that the root and intermediate certificates are installed correctly. The certificate should match the SAML SP’s URL or hostname.

• Check the certificate chain and validity
• Ensure the certificate subject name matches the SP URL/hostname
• Confirm the IdP trusts the SP’s certificate

User permissions and group membership can also cause problems. Make sure the SAML user is in the right group in the FortiGate’s SSL VPN settings. Also, check that the group has the right access. And, make sure the user’s account is active and not locked or disabled.

If you’re still having trouble, look at the Fortinet documentation and community forums. They offer great advice and tips for SAML SSO with FortiClient VPN on macOS. Remember, being patient and methodical helps in solving SAML SSO problems.

Best Practices for Secure VPN Access

To keep our macOS users safe, we suggest a few key steps. First, using SAML single sign-on (SSO) with FortiClient boosts our VPN security. It makes logging in easy and ensures strong checks to stop unauthorized access.

Next, updating FortiClient and other VPN tools regularly is crucial. This keeps our VPN safe with the newest security updates and features. Adding strict access rules, like role-based permissions and extra login checks, makes our VPN even more secure.

It’s also important to watch our VPN use and keep up with new security advice. By fixing any weak spots and always updating our VPN settings, we give our users a safe way to work from anywhere. This meets both industry standards and our company’s security needs.