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yaoran
Explorer
May 26, 2025
Question

Is Forticare really necessary?

  • May 26, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 3045 views

What things will I lose if I don't purchase a Forticare license in the case where I don't need support?
I am specifically referring to the Forticare license for FGT, FAZ, FMG, and FAC.

3 replies

AEK
SuperUser
SuperUser
May 26, 2025

Here is what you will lose.

 

fcare.png

My production devices just can't live without RMA, firmware updates and TAC support.

https://www.fortinet.com/content/dam/fortinet/assets/solution-guides/sb-forticare-services.pdf

Hope it helps.

AEK
yaoran
yaoranAuthor
Explorer
May 27, 2025

Thanks. This looks very useful.

reckalta1
New Member
May 26, 2025

FortiCare and FortiGuard subscriptions are not required to operate the device, but a FortiCare subscription is required to receive firmware updates, which may be something you want.

yaoran
yaoranAuthor
Explorer
May 27, 2025

Do FortiCare and FortiGuard have separate licenses?

Yurisk
SuperUser
SuperUser
May 26, 2025

With the number of security vulnerabilities/patches, and bug fixes with each new FortiOS release, it is almost impossible to live in the Fortiland w/o at least Forticare subscription to update firmware. At least on Internet-connected devices. In closed networks (MPLS/VRF/etc) it can be more relaxed, but still kinda uncomfortable. 

yaoran
yaoranAuthor
Explorer
May 27, 2025

Let's say I am using these Fortinet tools as a hobbyist to test things out for fun, not to protect a production network. Would having a Forticare license be necessary? And why?