What must be configured to use any external storage method for reports?

To utilize any external storage method for reports within FortiAnalyzer, it is essential to configure both a mail server and an output profile. The mail server is necessary for sending reports via email, which means the system needs to know where to send the reports and how to authenticate with that service. The output profile defines the format and structure of the reports, guiding how the data is packaged and presented when delivered or stored externally. Together, these configurations ensure that reports are generated in the correct format and sent to the appropriate destination, enabling effective external storage and distribution of data.

The other options focus on various configurations that, while important for other functionalities, do not directly address the requirement for external report storage. For example, alert settings and firewall rules may be vital for notifications and network security but aren’t relevant for configuring report storage. Similarly, email addresses and report templates pertain to report customization and audience targeting, which do not influence the external storage mechanism itself. Backup settings and user permissions mainly involve data retention and access control, which are crucial for system integrity but do not affect the specific setup needed for external report storage.