How to Securely Install FortiClient VPN on Oracle Linux 8 & 9
Connecting to a corporate network or securing your remote access often requires a robust VPN client. For organizations that rely on Fortinet security infrastructure, FortiClient is the standard. While it’s widely used on Windows and macOS, installing it on Linux distributions like Oracle Linux can seem challenging.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of installing FortiClient VPN on Oracle Linux, ensuring you can establish a secure connection quickly and efficiently.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- An Oracle Linux 8 or 9 system (desktop or server with a graphical environment).
- An active internet connection.
- Administrative privileges (
sudoaccess).
Step 1: Prepare Your System and Install Key Dependencies
Oracle Linux, much like its upstream source Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), is a stable and secure operating system. However, it may not have all the specific graphical libraries that FortiClient needs to display its interface and system tray icon correctly.
First, you must install essential dependencies. The most common missing package is libappindicator-gtk3, which is necessary for the application’s tray icon to function properly.
Open your terminal and run the following command to install it:
sudo dnf install libappindicator-gtk3 -y
This command uses the dnf package manager to fetch and install the required library and any of its own dependencies. The -y flag automatically confirms any prompts, streamlining the process.
Step 2: Download the Official FortiClient RPM Package
To maintain system security, it is critical to download software only from official sources. Navigate to the official Fortinet Support website to find the FortiClient VPN downloads.
- Go to the Fortinet Support portal and look for firmware/software downloads.
- Select “FortiClient” from the product list.
- In the download tab, find the VPN-only client for Linux.
Ensure you download the correct .rpm package compatible with your system architecture. For most modern Oracle Linux installations, this will be the x86_64 version. The filename will look something like forticlient_vpn_..._x86_64.rpm. Save this file to your Downloads folder or another easily accessible location.
Step 3: Installing FortiClient VPN
With the package downloaded, you can now proceed with the installation. Using the terminal is the most reliable method, as it provides clear feedback if any issues arise.
Navigate to the directory where you saved the .rpm file. For example, if it’s in your Downloads folder, use:
cd ~/Downloads
Now, use the dnf package manager to install the FortiClient package. This method is superior to using rpm -ivh because dnf will automatically identify and attempt to install any other dependencies the package requires.
Run the following command, replacing the filename with the one you downloaded:
sudo dnf install ./forticlient_vpn_7.2.1.0779_x86_64.rpm
(Note: Your version number may be different.)
The system will analyze the package, confirm any final dependencies, and ask for your confirmation. Press Y and hit Enter to complete the installation.
Step 4: Launching and Setting Up Your Connection
Once installed, launching and setting up your first connection is straightforward.
- Go to your application menu (e.g., “Activities” in the GNOME desktop).
- Search for “FortiClient” and click the icon to launch it.
- The first time you run the application, you must accept the End User License Agreement (EULA).
- On the main screen, click “Configure VPN.”
You will be prompted to enter your VPN connection details, which should be provided by your network administrator. These typically include:
- Connection Name: A descriptive name (e.g., “Office VPN”).
- VPN Type: SSL-VPN or IPsec.
- Remote Gateway: The server address of your FortiGate firewall.
- Port: The specific port for the connection.
- Authentication: Your username and password.
After saving your configuration, you can connect to the VPN using the credentials you entered.
Security Best Practices for Using Your VPN
Installing the client is just the first step. To ensure maximum security, follow these actionable tips:
- Keep the Client Updated: Regularly check the Fortinet support site for new versions of FortiClient, which often include important security patches.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): If your organization supports it, always enable MFA for your VPN connection. This adds a critical layer of security beyond just a password.
- Verify the Gateway: Before connecting, double-check that the “Remote Gateway” address is the correct one provided by your IT department to avoid connecting to a malicious server.
- Disconnect When Not in Use: To minimize your attack surface, disconnect from the corporate VPN when you are finished with your work.
By following these steps, you can successfully install and configure FortiClient on your Oracle Linux system, giving you secure, reliable access to the resources you need.
Source: https://kifarunix.com/easily-install-forticlient-vpn-on-oracle-linux/
