Which protocol is commonly used for secure remote access to FortiGate?

Secure Shell (SSH) is the commonly used protocol for secure remote access to FortiGate devices. It provides a secure channel over an unsecured network by using strong encryption techniques, ensuring that the data transmitted between the client and the FortiGate device remains confidential and protected from eavesdropping or tampering.

SSH allows for secure command-line access, enabling administrators to manage the FortiGate device remotely. Its features include user authentication, safe data transport, and the ability to tunnel other protocols securely. This makes it well-suited for network management tasks that require high levels of security.

In contrast, the other protocols mentioned do not provide the necessary levels of security for remote administrative access. HTTP is not encrypted, making it vulnerable to interception. FTP also lacks encryption, exposing sensitive data during transmission. SMTP, while used for sending emails, is not designed for securing remote access. Thus, SSH stands out as the preferred choice for maintaining a secure connection to FortiGate devices.