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yaoran
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
AEK
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
    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
    Yurisk
    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?

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