Research Note: Forescout Technologies, Inc.
Corporate Overview
Forescout Technologies, Inc., founded in 2000, is a leading provider of device visibility and control solutions for the Enterprise of Things (EoT). With a focus on IoT security, Forescout helps organizations secure their networks, devices, and data through continuous monitoring, risk assessment, and automated policy enforcement. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Forescout has a global presence with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The company has a strong customer base, serving over 3,800 enterprises and government organizations worldwide. Forescout's leadership team, headed by CEO Wael Mohamed, brings extensive experience in cybersecurity and a vision for securing the expanding EoT landscape.
Product Suite
Overview Forescout's platform offers a comprehensive set of capabilities for IoT and OT security. The core product, Forescout eyeSight, provides real-time device visibility and classification across the entire network, enabling organizations to identify and assess the risk posture of connected devices. Forescout eyeControl extends the platform's capabilities by enabling automated policy enforcement and incident response actions. The solution integrates with existing network and security tools, such as firewalls, NAC, and SIEM systems, to provide a unified approach to device security. Forescout eyeInspect offers passive monitoring and anomaly detection for OT environments, helping organizations identify and mitigate threats to critical infrastructure. The platform's agentless approach and extensive library of device profiles make it well-suited for diverse and dynamic EoT environments.
Strengths
Forescout performs well in several key areas of the vendor scoring matrix, earning a total score of 34 out of 50. The company's solution capabilities (7/10) are particularly strong in device visibility, classification, and policy enforcement. Forescout's agentless approach and support for a wide range of devices and protocols enable organizations to secure their EoT environments without disrupting operations. The platform's ease of use and integration (7/10) is another notable strength, with a user-friendly interface and extensive APIs for third-party integration. Forescout's innovation and vision (8/10) are evident in its focus on emerging technologies, such as IoMT and edge computing, and its investment in R&D.
Areas for Improvement
While Forescout is a strong contender in the IoT security market, there are several areas where the company could improve. Forescout's market presence (6/10) is lower compared to some of the larger vendors, particularly in terms of global reach and industry penetration. The company's customer support and ecosystem (6/10) could also be enhanced, with some customers reporting challenges in obtaining timely technical support and limited availability of third-party integrations. Additionally, Forescout's solution may have a higher learning curve (4/5) for some users, particularly those with complex network environments.
Bottom Line
Forescout is a competitive player in the IoT security market, offering a comprehensive platform for device visibility, control, and risk management. With a total score of 34 out of 50 in the vendor scoring matrix, Forescout demonstrates solid capabilities in key areas such as device discovery, classification, and policy enforcement. The company's agentless approach and support for diverse device types make it well-suited for securing the Enterprise of Things. Forescout's innovation and focus on emerging technologies position it well for future growth and adaptation to evolving security challenges. However, the company's market presence and customer support ecosystem may be areas for improvement, particularly as it competes against larger and more established vendors. Despite these challenges, Forescout remains a strong choice for organizations seeking a dedicated and flexible solution for IoT and OT security, particularly those with complex and heterogeneous device environments.