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How To Export FortiGate Objects to CSV

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    Introduction

    Exporting FortiGate objects to a CSV file can simplify your data management and analysis processes. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to exporting FortiGate objects, ensuring you can effortlessly handle your network data.

    We will begin with the basics of FortiGate object management and progress to the CSV export process. Additionally, we'll explore how Sourcetable lets you analyze your exported data with AI in a simple-to-use spreadsheet.

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    How to Export FortiGate Objects to CSV Format

    • Introduction

      Exporting FortiGate objects to CSV format is a valuable feature that provides a structured and easily readable view of your firewall settings and objects. This guide covers the steps and requirements for exporting different FortiGate objects to CSV format.

    • Exporting Firewall UTM Objects to CSV

      Starting from version 7.2.2, FortiGate offers the functionality to export firewall UTM objects to CSV. To execute this export, navigate to Security > Policy and click the Export to CSV icon. The downloaded CSV file will include a list of firewall objects below the policies.

    • Exporting Firewall Policies to CSV

      FortiGate settings, including firewall policies, can be exported to CSV format. This feature is supported starting from version 7.0.0. To export the firewall policy list, go to Policy & Objects > Firewall Policy. In the toolbar above the list, click Export and select CSV. The file is automatically downloaded.

    • Using FortiGate CLI for CSV Export

      The FortiGate CLI allows users to export firewall policy lists to CSV format. This feature was added in version 7.0.1. To perform the export, navigate to Policy & Objects > Firewall Policy. Click Export in the toolbar and choose CSV. The file will be automatically downloaded.

    • Exporting Firewall Objects and Policies via Security > Policy

      In FortiGate version 7.2.2, both firewall policies and objects can be exported to CSV. This combined export is done by going to Security > Policy and clicking the Export to CSV icon. The resulting CSV file will list firewall objects below the policies.

    • Step-by-Step Export Instructions

      Follow these steps to export FortiGate firewall objects and policies to CSV:

        Navigate to Policy & Objects > Firewall Policy. In the toolbar above the list, click Export. Select CSV. The CSV file will be automatically downloaded to your system.
    • Navigate to Policy & Objects > Firewall Policy.
    • In the toolbar above the list, click Export.
    • Select CSV.
    • The CSV file will be automatically downloaded to your system.

    • Conclusion

      Exporting FortiGate objects to CSV format is straightforward and beneficial for data analysis and record-keeping. By following the steps outlined above, users can efficiently export firewall policies and UTM objects, ensuring a comprehensive overview of their network security settings.

    How to Export FortiGate Objects to CSV Format

    Exporting FortiGate Objects Using FortiPortal

    To export FortiGate objects to CSV, navigate to Security > Policy and click the Export to CSV icon. The exported CSV will list FortiGate objects, including firewall UTM objects, below the policies.

    Using FortiManager to Export IPv4 Policies

    Note that only FortiManager can extract IPv4 policies to CSV files. Use the script fgpoliciestocsv.py for this purpose. Ensure the script and the configuration file are in the same directory on a Unix or Linux OS. Run fgpoliciestocsv.py -i [cfg file name].cfg to generate the policies-out.csv file.

    Exporting Objects via FortiManager GUI

    Log in to FortiManager and access the web interface. Navigate to Policy & Objects > Objects. Select the specific object to export, click the Export button, choose a save location, name the file, and click OK or Export to start the process.

    Converting CSV and Log Files in Excel

    To open and convert the CSV file in Excel, use the Text to Columns feature. This can handle both CSV files and .log files by selecting Delimited -> Tab and Semicolon options.

    Export Logs to CSV via Syslog

    Logs can be exported to a syslog using the CLI, which can then be configured to export logs in CSV format. Opening .log files in Excel and converting text to columns is also supported for better data analysis.

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    Use Cases Unlocked by Understanding FortiGate Objects

    1. Configuring VLAN Sub-interfaces in Virtual Wire Pairs

    FortiGate objects allow for the configuration of VLAN sub-interfaces within virtual wire pairs. This setup is crucial for segmenting network traffic without the need for IP addresses, providing enhanced security and traffic management in bridged network environments.

    2. Implementing VXLAN Over IPsec Tunnel

    By utilizing FortiGate objects, administrators can configure VXLAN over an IPsec tunnel with a virtual wire pair. This approach ensures enhanced security and scalability for overlay networks, facilitating the extension of Layer 2 connections across geographically dispersed locations.

    3. Addressing NAT46 and NAT64 for SIP ALG

    With FortiGate objects, configuring NAT46 and NAT64 for SIP ALG becomes streamlined. This capability enables seamless communication between IPv4 and IPv6 networks, ensuring compatibility and efficient routing of SIP traffic in mixed IP environments.

    4. Synchronizing Objects Across the Security Fabric

    Understanding how to utilize FortiGate objects is key to synchronizing firewall objects across the security fabric. The firewall object synchronization wizard assists in identifying and resolving conflicts, maintaining consistency and security across all network devices.

    5. Enhancing SSL-based Application Detection

    FortiGate objects facilitate SSL-based application detection over decrypted traffic in a sandwich topology. This method increases visibility into encrypted traffic, allowing for more precise application control and enhanced security measures.

    6. Configuring Administrator Accounts and Profiles

    Administrators can leverage FortiGate objects to configure administrator accounts and profiles. This functionality supports role-based access control, ensuring that only authorized users have specific access privileges, thereby bolstering security and operational efficiency.

    7. Setting Up High Availability

    FortiGate objects are instrumental in configuring high availability (HA) settings. HA ensures business continuity by providing automatic failover and load balancing, thereby maintaining network services even during device failures.

    8. Implementing Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

    By using FortiGate objects, administrators can implement comprehensive Data Loss Prevention (DLP) techniques. DLP configurations help protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and disclosure, enhancing data security and compliance.

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    Sourcetable: A Strong Alternative to FortiGate Objects

    Sourcetable is a powerful spreadsheet tool that integrates data from various sources, enabling real-time querying and manipulation of data within a familiar spreadsheet interface. This makes it a viable alternative to FortiGate objects, especially for users seeking seamless data management and analysis capabilities.

    With Sourcetable, you can easily collect all your data in one place, simplifying complex data workflows. Unlike FortiGate objects, Sourcetable provides an intuitive platform that speeds up the process of getting actionable insights from your database, enhancing productivity.

    The ability to query and manipulate data in real-time using a spreadsheet-like interface allows for efficient data handling. This makes Sourcetable ideal for users who need to perform detailed analysis and data-driven decision-making without extensive technical knowledge.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use PowerShell to export FortiGate objects to CSV?

    Yes, PowerShell can be used to export FortiGate objects to CSV. The PSFortigateParser GitHub repository contains a PowerShell script for parsing and creating CSV reports from a FortiGate configuration file.

    How do I export IPv4 policies from a FortiGate configuration file to CSV using a script?

    Use the script fgpoliciestocsv.py to extract IPv4 policies from a FortiGate config file to CSV. Upload the script and configuration file to a Unix or Linux based OS and execute the script using 'fgpoliciestocsv.py -i [cfg file name].cfg' to generate the policies-out.csv file.

    What is the process to export the firewall policy list from FortiGate using the GUI?

    From version 7.0.2 and above, FortiGate can export the firewall policy list to a CSV or JSON file directly from the GUI.

    What steps should I follow to convert the policies-out.csv file to a readable format in Excel?

    Open the policies-out.csv file in Excel and use the Text to Columns feature. Choose Delimited -> Tab and Semicolon to properly format the CSV in Excel.

    How can I save different FortiGate reports to CSV using PowerShell?

    You can use specific commands within the PowerShell script to save various reports to CSV, such as $Config.savePolicyReport, $Config.saveAddressReport, $Config.saveAddressGroupReport, $Config.saveServiceReport, and $Config.saveServiceGroupReport.

    Conclusion

    Exporting FortiGate objects to CSV enables efficient data handling and integration with various tools. This process ensures that your network management and security tasks are well-documented and transferable.

    With your data in CSV format, you can now leverage advanced analysis techniques. Sign up for Sourcetable to analyze your exported CSV data with AI in a simple to use spreadsheet.

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