What does the term 'unmanaged endpoint' imply in the context of FortiSASE?

The term 'unmanaged endpoint' in the context of FortiSASE refers to an endpoint that is not fully controlled or secured by the organization. This implies that the organization lacks oversight or the ability to enforce security policies on this device, which can pose significant risks to the overall security posture. Unmanaged endpoints can include personal devices, such as employees' laptops or mobile phones, that access the organizational network but do not adhere to the security measures established by the IT department. This lack of control makes these endpoints vulnerable to security threats, as they could lack proper security configurations, software updates, or malware protection mechanisms.

Individual endpoints may vary in the level of security applied; however, the critical aspect of an unmanaged endpoint is the absence of centralized management and policy enforcement by the organization. This scenario creates potential entry points for cyber threats, leading to risks such as data breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

In contrast, a fully secured endpoint would have all necessary security measures in place, and an endpoint managed by a third party implies active oversight and control under another organization's security protocols, thus differing from the unmanaged designation. An endpoint with minimal security controls might suggest some level of management, but it would not be classified as completely unmanaged.