Fortinet named Gartner Leader in hybrid mesh firewall

Fortinet has been named a Leader in Gartner's 2026 Magic Quadrant for Hybrid Mesh Firewall and ranked highest for Ability to Execute for the second year in a row.

The recognition adds to Fortinet's presence across Gartner Magic Quadrant reports in networking and security, where it is now included in 11 categories.

Hybrid mesh firewall products are designed to apply security controls across a mix of on-site, virtual and cloud environments. The category reflects demand from companies trying to manage security policy across distributed infrastructure rather than relying on a single perimeter firewall.

Fortinet said its hybrid mesh firewall offering covers enterprise perimeter, branch, data centre, carrier and managed security environments. The products can be deployed in physical, virtual, cloud-native and as-a-service models.

The group's firewall products run on its FortiOS operating system, which underpins its networking and security portfolio. According to Fortinet, this lets customers use centralised management and a common set of security services across different environments.

The approach is aimed at organisations that want to choose where inspection and policy enforcement take place, including in the cloud, through customer-controlled systems or on local appliances. Fortinet said this is intended to help companies address operational, compliance and sovereignty requirements.

Platform strategy

For several years, Fortinet has pushed a strategy that combines networking and security functions within one software environment. In this product set, FortiOS brings together routing, secure SD-WAN and next-generation firewall functions so customers can manage connectivity and security policy across branch, campus and broader distributed networks.

Like several cybersecurity suppliers, Fortinet is positioning firewall technology as part of a broader operational and policy framework rather than as a standalone traffic inspection tool. Its latest work in the category includes AI-based automation, post-quantum cryptography support and multi-cloud orchestration.

It also said it is extending visibility into internet-connected devices and cyber-physical systems through passive and active device discovery. Fortinet said this is intended to help customers identify connected assets by manufacturer, firmware and industrial function, while file monitoring on firewalls is designed to spot unauthorised changes.

Anthony James, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Fortinet, commented on the ranking.

"Enterprise firewall expertise is earned through the trust and confidence customers place in a solution to protect their most critical environments. We believe our recognition as a Leader and highest position for Ability to Execute reflect Fortinet's proven ability to deliver security and networking at scale. At the same time, we continue to expand what customers should expect from a firewall solution through innovation in AI-driven operations, post-quantum cryptography [PQC], multi-cloud orchestration, and cyber-physical visibility," said James.

Broader market

The hybrid mesh firewall market has emerged as businesses spread applications, users and data across private infrastructure, branch sites and multiple cloud providers. That shift has pushed firewall vendors to support consistent policy enforcement across several deployment models while linking those controls to networking and access systems.

Fortinet said customers can consume security from the cloud through FortiSASE, through a customer-controlled FortiGate using FortiSASE Outpost functions, or through local FortiGate deployments with FortiSASE. It describes that mix of cloud-delivered security and local enforcement as a SASE firewall model.

The recognition may also help Fortinet reinforce its standing in large enterprise and managed security accounts, where independent analyst rankings are often one factor in supplier selection. Gartner's Magic Quadrant reports are closely watched across the cybersecurity industry, particularly in crowded segments where buyers compare vendors on execution and market vision.

Fortinet said the latest ranking means it is now recognised in 11 Gartner Magic Quadrant reports across networking and security categories.