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LearningFortiCT
New Member
February 4, 2026
Question

Best Practices...

I'm a long time Palo Alto user and just transferred to a new organization and we utilize the FortiGate 401F. We utilize GeoBlocking for both incoming and outgoing however it is implemented using an Access Control List.  I've seen posts using a Firewall Policy to implement Geo Blocking. Obviously F/W policies give an in-depth look using security policies but would like to hear from the community what is a best practice for Geo Blocking, ACL or F/W policy?  

Also is there an online document on recommended best practices for the FortiGate?

Much thanks!

2 replies

funkylicious
SuperUser
SuperUser
February 4, 2026

ACL policies are usually used when you dont want the traffic to be evaluated by CPU but by NPU - https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortigate/6.4.0/parallel-path-processing-life-of-a-packet/909348/access-control-list-acl  

if im not mistaken using a ACL will also block the return traffic when initiated by a internal host.

i usually use it when I know that traffic from those countries should not be even considered

"jack of all trades, master of none"
LearningFortiCT
New Member
February 5, 2026

Much appreciated! 

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