Home

FortiClient Invitation Codes: Simplifying Zero-Trust Onboarding for the Modern Workforce

.

In an era of hybrid work and sophisticated cyber threats, efficiently and securely connecting remote endpoints to the corporate network is a paramount challenge for IT administrators. Fortinet's FortiClient addresses this through a powerful feature: invitation codes. This article exploration delves into how these codes streamline the deployment of endpoint security, forming a critical link in the zero-trust security fabric.

The Gateway to Managed Security: What Are Invitation Codes?

An invitation code is a unique identifier generated by a FortiClient EMS (Endpoint Management Server), either on-premise or in the cloud. It acts as a secure "key" that allows an installed FortiClient endpoint to discover, connect to, and register with its managing EMS server. This process, known as establishing Zero Trust Telemetry, is the foundation for applying security policies, compliance checks, and threat protection.

The primary value proposition is simplification for end-users. Traditionally, connecting a client might require manual input of server addresses and ports—a error-prone process for non-technical staff. With invitation codes, this complexity is abstracted away. As noted in the FortiClient 7.0.0 New Features Guide, "End users do not need to know the EMS IP address, port number, or site information to connect their endpoint to EMS." They simply paste the code or click a link.

For administrators, it enables controlled and auditable onboarding. They dictate who receives an invitation, how many endpoints can register with it, and when it expires, ensuring only authorized devices join the secured fabric.

Behind the Scenes: The Administrator's Workflow

Creating and managing invitation codes is a central task within the FortiClient EMS Administrator console. The process, consistent across recent versions, involves several configurable layers of security and convenience.

Step 1: Generating the Code

Administrators navigate to Endpoints > Invitations (or User Management > Invitations) and click Add. Key configuration decisions include:

  • EMS Listen Address: The IP or FQDN the endpoint will connect to.
  • Type: Individual (for a single endpoint) or Bulk (for multiple registrations). Fortinet documentation states that sending individual codes "is considered best practice, as it can limit any unexpected endpoints from connecting."
  • Verification Type (v7.4.5+): This critical security setting determines what credentials, if any, a user must provide after entering the invitation code. Options range from "None" to validating against Local EMS users, LDAP (Active Directory), or SAML providers like Microsoft Entra ID.
  • Expiry Date: Codes can be set to expire after a defined period, with five days as a common default, enforcing a secure onboarding window.

Step 2: Integrating the Installer

A major efficiency gain comes from bundling the FortiClient installer with the invitation. In the invitation configuration, an admin can "Create a new installer" or select an existing deployment package. This package can be customized with specific features (VPN, AntiVirus, Web Filtering) and pre-configured VPN/ZTNA profiles. When this is enabled, the invitation email contains a direct download link for this tailored installer.

Step 3: Delivery

Administrators can automate delivery by enabling "Send Email Notifications," which requires pre-configured SMTP server settings in EMS. Recipient email addresses are added, and the system sends a formatted email containing the invitation code, a QR code, a direct registration link, and the installer download link if attached.

Despite streamlined design, real-world deployment encounters hurdles, as evidenced by community discussions and support forums.

  • The Expired Code Dilemma: A frequent error encountered by users is "The invitation code expired." A Fortinet Community troubleshooting article confirms this occurs when the code's configured expiry date has passed. The solution is administrative: the admin must edit the invitation in EMS to either disable the expiry or extend the date, then provide the updated code to the user.

  • The Silent Deployment Quest: IT teams managing large fleets often seek to deploy FortiClient fully configured via tools like Microsoft Intune or SCCM, eliminating any manual steps for the end-user. A Reddit thread highlights this goal: "Looking to see if its possible to have FortiClient install via Intune with the telemetry code and invitation code included." The solution lies in the custom installer feature. As outlined in the documentation for "Creating a custom FortiClient installer," admins can generate a deployment package that has a specific invitation code and remote access profiles embedded. This .msi can then be repackaged and deployed silently via enterprise management tools. Community members have successfully used the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool for Intune deployments.

  • Post-Installation Connection: If an endpoint installs FortiClient but does not automatically connect to EMS, the user must manually enter the invitation code. This is done in the FortiClient GUI on the Zero Trust Telemetry tab, within the "Register with Zero Trust Fabric" field. Depending on the invitation's "Verification Type," entering domain or SAML credentials may be the next step.

Strategic Importance in a Zero-Trust Framework

Invitation codes are more than a convenience; they are a strategic enabler for Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). They provide a secure bootstrap mechanism for devices outside the corporate perimeter to initiate a trusted connection. By integrating with LDAP or SAML for verification, they ensure that device onboarding is tightly coupled with user identity.

Furthermore, administrators can enforce a strict invitation-only registration policy via the "Enforce invitation-only registration for" option in EMS System Settings. This creates a closed loop where only explicitly invited and authorized endpoints can join the security fabric, dramatically reducing the attack surface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What's the difference between an Individual and a Bulk invitation code? A: An Individual code can be used to register only one endpoint to the EMS. A Bulk code can be used by multiple endpoints to register. For enhanced security, use Individual codes when possible to prevent unauthorized sharing.

Q: My users get an error saying "The invitation code expired." What happened? A: This means the invitation code's validity period set by the administrator has passed. You must contact your IT administrator to generate and provide a new, unexpired invitation code.

Q: Can we automate deployment so the user never sees an invitation code? A: Yes. Administrators can create a custom FortiClient installer that has a specific invitation code pre-embedded. This installer can then be deployed silently through management systems like Intune or SCCM. The endpoint will connect to EMS automatically upon installation without user intervention.

Q: Where does the user enter the invitation code in FortiClient? A: After installing FortiClient, open the application and navigate to the Zero Trust Telemetry tab. Look for the "Register with Zero Trust Fabric" field, paste the invitation code there, and click Register.

Q: Is an invitation code the same as a software license key? A: No, they serve different purposes. An invitation code connects the FortiClient agent to a management server (EMS). A license key (or serial number) activates the paid features of the FortiClient software itself (like AntiVirus, Web Filtering). Both may be required for full functionality.

Q: Can I use invitation codes with FortiClient Cloud? A: Yes. Invitation codes are a core feature of both on-premise FortiClient EMS and FortiClient Cloud. The functionality is very similar, providing a seamless onboarding experience regardless of where the management server is hosted.