---
title: "Georgia Tech Lawsuit: A Wake-Up Call for Research Universities"
description: Discover how a whistleblower lawsuit against Georgia Tech sheds light on cybersecurity compliance for research universities pursuing federal contracts.
image: https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/georgia-tech.webp
---

[Skip to Main Content](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/cmmc/georgia-tech-lawsuit#main-content)

[Sign In](https://secure.virtru.com/dashboard) [I received a Virtru email](https://www.virtru.com/data-protection-platform/email-encryption/send)

[![Virtru](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/virtru/blue/virtru_LOGOMASTER_BLUE.svg) ](https://www.virtru.com/)

- Products
- Solutions
- Developers
- Company
- Resources
- [Support](https://support.virtru.com)
- [Pricing](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/pricing-packages)
- Book a Demo
- Search all Virtru content
  
  ![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/link-arrow-black.svg)

Email Workflows

Protect data shared via email

- [Virtru for Gmail 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/email-encryption/gmail)
- [Virtru for Outlook 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/email-encryption/outlook)
- [Virtru Gateway 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-data-gateway)
- [Email Integrations 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/products/integrations?product=data_protection_gateway&category=email)

File Workflows

Protect files shared across your workflows

- [Virtru Secure Share 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-secure-share)
- [Virtru for Desktop 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/desktop)
- [File Integrations 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/products/integrations?category=file_sharing)

Collaboration Workflows

FedRAMP authorized file storage and collaboration

- [Virtru Collaborate 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-collaborate)

Manage Private Encryption Keys

Maintain complete sovereignty and governance

- [Virtru Private Keystore 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-private-keystore)
- [Google Client Side Encryption (CSE) 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/google-workspace-client-side-encryption)

Develop Data Security Solutions

Data-centric security, built on open standards

- [Virtru Data Security Platform 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform)
- [Developer Experience 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/developer-experience)
- [Platform Integrations 
  
  ](https://www.virtru.com/partners/technology)

6,100+ Customers Trust Virtru for Data Security and Privacy Protection

![Omada Logo](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/customers/omada-logo.webp) ![UC Berkley Logo](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/customers/ucberkley-logo.webp) ![Associated Press Logo](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/customers/associatedpress-logo.webp) ![US Department of Defense Logo](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/customers/dod-logo.webp)

- Compliance
  
    - [CJIS 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/cjis)
    - [CMMC / NIST / DFARS 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/cmmc)
    - [FERPA 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/ferpa)
    - [FTC Safeguards Rule 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/data-encryption-ftc-safeguards-rule)
    - [GDPR 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/gdpr)
    - [HIPAA 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/hipaa-email)
    - [ISO 27001 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/iso-27001)
    - [ITAR 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/itar)
    - [PCI / GLBA / FINRA / SOX 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/financial)
- Commercial
  
    - [Aerospace 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/aerospace-and-defense/)
    - [Education 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/education/)
    - [Finance 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/financial-services/)
    - [Healthcare 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/healthcare/)
    - [Legal 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/legal)
    - [Technology & Telecom 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/telecom-it-and-software)
    - [Threat Intelligence 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/threat-intelligence)
- Global Public Sector
  
    - [Federal - Defense 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/global-public-sector/defense)
    - [Federal - Intelligence 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/global-public-sector/intelligence)
    - [State & Local Government 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/state-local-government)
    - [Systems Integrators 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/global-public-sector/systems-integrators)
    - [Mission Partner Environments 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/mission-partner-environments)

[View All Solutions](https://www.virtru.com/compliance)

[![Three rings forming three overlaps in a triangle formation](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/rings-navicon.svg)

Virtru for Global Mission Partners

Data-centric security aligned with ACP-240 and TDF

Learn More ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/mission-partner-environments) [![Microsoft Icon](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/microsoft-navicon.svg)

Virtru for Microsoft 365

Protect data stored and shared via Microsoft 365

Learn More ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/microsoft-365) [![Google Icon](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/google-navicon.svg)

Virtru for Google Workspace

Protect data stored and shared via Google Workspace

Learn More ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/google-workspace)

- Developers
  
    - [Virtru Data Security Platform The Security Standard that Powers Our Products 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform)
    - [Trusted Data Format Secure Collaboration and Policy Enforcement 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/trusted-data-format)
    - [Virtru Developer Experience Build Secure Solutions from the Ground Up 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/developer-experience)
- Developer Community
  
    - [OpenTDF: Open Source Project Open Standard Now Available on GitHub 
      
      ](https://opentdf.io/)
    - [Technology Partners Building integrations with the Virtru Platform 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/partners/technology)
    - [Partner Training Bootcamp Request training on the Virtru Data Security Platform 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/training-request)

![Looking over the shoulder of somebody on their smart phone. ](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/stock%20photos/People%20On%20Device/person-on-phone.webp)

A trusted platform for secure data sharing

Built on the open TDF standard, the Virtru Data Security Platform provides persistent control over the information you share with others.

[Virtru Data Security Platform](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform)

- About Virtru
  
    - [About Us 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/about-us)
    - [Leadership 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/leadership/)
    - [Careers & Culture 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/careers)
    - [Contact Us 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/contact-us)
- In the News
  
    - [Headlines & Press Releases 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/newsroom)
    - [Decrypted Blog 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/blog)
    - [Hash It Out Podcast 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/hash-it-out)

Award-winning security solutions for every organization

![Cyber Security Breakthrough Award Logo for 2023](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/award%20badges/cybersecurity-breakthrough-award-badge-2023.webp) ![Virtru wins a G2 Top 50 Security Products Award for 2024](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/award%20badges/G2-Leader-2025.webp) ![Washington Post Top Work Places 2023 Award](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/award%20badges/twp-washington-2023.webp) ![Inc Power Partner 2024](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/award%20badges/IncPowerPartner-2024.webp) 

[Read Customer Reviews](https://www.virtru.com/why-virtru/reviews)

- Resources
  
    - [Decrypted Blog Tips, Takes, and Expertise 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/blog)
    - [Hash It Out Podcast Join us as we talk about cybersecurity 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/hash-it-out)
    - [Voice of the Customer Case Studies, Webinars, and Videos 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/resources?type=webinar,case-study)
    - [Events & Webinars Upcoming Events, Conferences, and Digital Webinars 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/events-and-webinars/)
    - [Resource Library Whitepapers, Guides, and Videos 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/resources)
    - [DMV Rising Our annual event bringing together the cyber community in the DMV 
      
      ](https://dmvrising.com/)
    - [Headlines & Press Virtru in the News 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/newsroom)
    - [Product Updates The latest on new products, features, and fixes 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/products/updates)
    - [Virtru Academy Live Helpful how-to content for admins and end users 
      
      ](https://www.virtru.com/virtru-academy-live)

![Professional on a laptop](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/stock%20photos/business/Business-3.webp)

![Wealthforge Logo](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/customers/Wealthforge%20Logo.webp)

100% Increase in delivery rate for a broker-dealer working to comply with SEC regulations.

[Read the Case Study](https://www.virtru.com/case-studies/wealthforge-sec-compliance-gateway)

- Products 
  
    - Email Workflows
      
      Protect data shared via email
      
          - [Virtru for Gmail 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/email-encryption/gmail)
          - [Virtru for Outlook 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/email-encryption/outlook)
          - [Virtru Gateway 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-data-gateway)
          - [Email Integrations 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/products/integrations?product=data_protection_gateway&category=email)
    - File Workflows
      
      Protect files shared across your workflows
      
          - [Virtru Secure Share 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-secure-share)
          - [Virtru for Desktop 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/desktop)
          - [File Integrations 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/products/integrations?category=file_sharing)
    - Collaboration Workflows
      
      FedRAMP authorized file storage and collaboration
      
          - [Virtru Collaborate 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-collaborate)
    - Manage Private Encryption Keys
      
      Maintain complete sovereignty and governance
      
          - [Virtru Private Keystore 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-private-keystore)
          - [Google Client Side Encryption (CSE) 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/google-workspace-client-side-encryption)
    - Develop Data Security Solutions
      
      Data-centric security, built on open standards
      
          - [Virtru Data Security Platform 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform)
          - [Developer Experience 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/developer-experience)
          - [Platform Integrations 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/partners/technology)
- Solutions 
  
    - Compliance
      
          - [CJIS 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/cjis)
          - [CMMC / NIST / DFARS 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/cmmc)
          - [FERPA 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/ferpa)
          - [FTC Safeguards Rule 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/data-encryption-ftc-safeguards-rule)
          - [GDPR 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/gdpr)
          - [HIPAA 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/hipaa-email)
          - [ISO 27001 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/iso-27001)
          - [ITAR 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/itar)
          - [PCI / GLBA / FINRA / SOX 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/financial)
    - Commercial
      
          - [Aerospace 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/aerospace-and-defense/)
          - [Education 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/education/)
          - [Finance 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/financial-services/)
          - [Healthcare 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/healthcare/)
          - [Legal 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/legal)
          - [Technology & Telecom 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/telecom-it-and-software)
          - [Threat Intelligence 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/threat-intelligence)
    - Global Public Sector
      
          - [Federal - Defense 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/global-public-sector/defense)
          - [Federal - Intelligence 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/global-public-sector/intelligence)
          - [State & Local Government 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/state-local-government)
          - [Systems Integrators 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/global-public-sector/systems-integrators)
          - [Mission Partner Environments 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/mission-partner-environments)
- Developers 
  
    - Developers
      
          - [Virtru Data Security Platform The Security Standard that Powers Our Products 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform)
          - [Trusted Data Format Secure Collaboration and Policy Enforcement 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/trusted-data-format)
          - [Virtru Developer Experience Build Secure Solutions from the Ground Up 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/developer-experience)
    - Developer Community
      
          - [OpenTDF: Open Source Project Open Standard Now Available on GitHub 
            
            ](https://opentdf.io/)
          - [Technology Partners Building integrations with the Virtru Platform 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/partners/technology)
          - [Partner Training Bootcamp Request training on the Virtru Data Security Platform 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/training-request)
- Company 
  
    - About Virtru
      
          - [About Us 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/about-us)
          - [Leadership 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/leadership/)
          - [Careers & Culture 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/careers)
          - [Contact Us 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/contact-us)
    - In the News
      
          - [Headlines & Press Releases 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/newsroom)
          - [Decrypted Blog 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/blog)
          - [Hash It Out Podcast 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/hash-it-out)
- Resources 
  
    - Resources
      
          - [Decrypted Blog Tips, Takes, and Expertise 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/blog)
          - [Hash It Out Podcast Join us as we talk about cybersecurity 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/hash-it-out)
          - [Voice of the Customer Case Studies, Webinars, and Videos 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/resources?type=webinar,case-study)
          - [Events & Webinars Upcoming Events, Conferences, and Digital Webinars 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/events-and-webinars/)
          - [Resource Library Whitepapers, Guides, and Videos 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/resources)
          - [DMV Rising Our annual event bringing together the cyber community in the DMV 
            
            ](https://dmvrising.com/)
          - [Headlines & Press Virtru in the News 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/newsroom)
          - [Product Updates The latest on new products, features, and fixes 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/products/updates)
          - [Virtru Academy Live Helpful how-to content for admins and end users 
            
            ](https://www.virtru.com/virtru-academy-live)
- [Support](https://support.virtru.com)
- [Pricing](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/pricing-packages)
- Book a Demo
- Search all Virtru content
  
  ![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/link-arrow-black.svg)

Virtru Secure Share Education. CMMC/NIST/DFARS ITAR

August 27, 2024

# Georgia Tech Lawsuit: A Wake-Up Call for Research Universities

![Shelby Imes](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/blog%20-%20collaborate%20webinar%20recap/shelby-headshot.jpeg)

By Shelby Imes

Share post:

[![Share on Facebook](https://www.lean-labs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LLv2/images/icon-blog-facebook.png?noresize&width=24&name=icon-blog-facebook.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtru.com%2Fblog%2Fcompliance%2Fcmmc%2Fgeorgia-tech-lawsuit%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://www.lean-labs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LLv2/images/icon-blog-linkedin.png?noresize&width=24&name=icon-blog-linkedin.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtru.com%2Fblog%2Fcompliance%2Fcmmc%2Fgeorgia-tech-lawsuit%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://www.virtru.com/hs-fs/hubfs/opentdf/assets/images/icons/x-logo.webp?width=24&name=x-logo.webp)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtru.com%2Fblog%2Fcompliance%2Fcmmc%2Fgeorgia-tech-lawsuit%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtru.com%2Fblog%2Fcompliance%2Fcmmc%2Fgeorgia-tech-lawsuit%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Georgia%20Tech%20Lawsuit%3A%20A%20Wake-Up%20Call%20for%20Research%20Universities)

## TABLE OF CONTENTS

See Virtru In Action

Book a Demo

Share post:

[![Share on Facebook](https://www.lean-labs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LLv2/images/icon-blog-facebook.png?noresize&width=24&name=icon-blog-facebook.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtru.com%2Fblog%2Fcompliance%2Fcmmc%2Fgeorgia-tech-lawsuit%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://www.lean-labs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LLv2/images/icon-blog-linkedin.png?noresize&width=24&name=icon-blog-linkedin.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtru.com%2Fblog%2Fcompliance%2Fcmmc%2Fgeorgia-tech-lawsuit%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://www.virtru.com/hs-fs/hubfs/opentdf/assets/images/icons/x-logo.webp?width=24&name=x-logo.webp)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtru.com%2Fblog%2Fcompliance%2Fcmmc%2Fgeorgia-tech-lawsuit%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virtru.com%2Fblog%2Fcompliance%2Fcmmc%2Fgeorgia-tech-lawsuit%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Georgia%20Tech%20Lawsuit%3A%20A%20Wake-Up%20Call%20for%20Research%20Universities)

![College campus in fall ](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/georgia-tech.webp) ![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/blog/overlays/blog-overlay-knowledge.png)

In the halls of Georgia Tech, where groundbreaking research and technological innovation are daily pursuits, a different kind of breakthrough is making waves. The U.S. Department of Justice has stepped into the ring, [backing a whistleblower lawsuit](https://www.theregister.com/2024/08/23/us_georgia_tech_lawsuit/) that pits the renowned institution against its own cybersecurity practices.

At stake is not just Georgia Tech's reputation, but potentially the future of how [research universities](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/cmmc/r1-universities-research) will gain federal contracts and tackle cybersecurity compliance.

## The Allegations: A Pattern of Non-Compliance

The lawsuit, initially filed by two former senior members of Georgia Tech's cybersecurity compliance team, Christopher Craig and Kyle Koza, paints a troubling picture of systemic failures in meeting Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity requirements. Here are the key allegations:

1. ** Failure to Implement Security Plans:** Since at least 2019, Georgia Tech allegedly failed to develop and implement a required system security plan for its Astrolavos Lab, which handles DoD contracts.
2. ** Inadequate Coverage:** Even when a plan was implemented in 2020, it reportedly fell short of including all covered systems and was never updated as required.
3. ** Lack of Basic Security Measures: **Between May 2019 and December 2021, the Astrolavos Lab allegedly operated without essential security applications on its systems and networks, violating both federal requirements and internal policies.
4. ** False Reporting: **In December 2020, Georgia Tech and GTRC were accused of submitting a fraudulent cybersecurity assessment score of 98 to the DoD, misrepresenting their compliance status.
5. ** Prioritizing Research over Security:** The complaint suggests that Georgia Tech routinely gave in to demands from "star researchers," prioritizing large government contracts over cybersecurity compliance.

## The Bigger Picture: A Federal Crackdown on Cybersecurity

This lawsuit is part of a [broader effort](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/navigating-the-false-claims-act-and-cybersecurity-compliance-how-virtru-can-help) by the U.S. Department of Justice to ensure that government contractors and subcontractors are honest about their cybersecurity efforts. It reflects the growing prioritization of cybersecurity at the federal level, as evidenced by recent executive orders, publicized security strategies, and tightened security requirements like [CMMC 2.0](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/cmmc), which builds upon [NIST SP 800-171](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/cmmc/nist-800-171-updates-point-defense-contractors-toward-cmmc-2.0-compliance).

One thing’s for certain: Even the most prestigious institutions are not immune to scrutiny and potential legal action. The government is getting serious about cyber, shown by the litany of memos and demands on tightened cybersecurity by the [White House](https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/M-22-09.pdf), [Pentagon](https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3795170/new-overlays-provide-guide-on-path-to-zero-trust/), and even [congress](https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3600). 

For research universities, the implications of non-compliance extend far beyond potential legal penalties. At stake are their reputation and credibility in the academic and research communities; the ability to even secure future government contracts and funding; and more pragmatically, the protection of valuable research data and intellectual property. 

The Georgia Tech case, not unlike the case made against [Penn State University](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/oversight-to-insight-learnings-from-the-penn-state-compliance-lawsuit) last year, is further proof of the federal government's commitment to enforcing cybersecurity standards in academia.

## Lessons Learned: Compliance Requirements for Research Universities

As we learned with the [Penn State debacle](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/oversight-to-insight-learnings-from-the-penn-state-compliance-lawsuit) of similar proportions last year, the Georgia Tech case offers several crucial lessons for other research institutions:

1. ** Compliance is Non-Negotiable:** Even prestigious institutions are not exempt from federal cybersecurity requirements — especially when those requirements are related to handling [controlled unclassified information, or CUI data](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/nist).
2. ** Comprehensive Coverage is Crucial:** Security plans must cover all relevant systems and be regularly updated.
3. ** Balance Research and Security: **While securing research contracts is important for a research university, it should never come at the expense of cybersecurity.
4. ** Accurate Reporting is Vital: **Misrepresenting compliance status can lead to severe legal consequences.
5. ** Whistleblower Risk:** Internal cybersecurity teams can become whistleblowers if they observe persistent non-compliance.

## What’s Next for University Cyber Leaders

As the Georgia Tech case demonstrates, a robust, data-centric approach to cybersecurity is no longer optional for research universities. Solutions like [Virtru email encryption](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/email-encryption) and [Virtru Secure Share](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-secure-share) offer highly secure ways for research universities to share information — encrypting data at the object level, governing data access, and ensuring compliance with federal standards.

By implementing strong data protection measures, universities can safeguard their research, maintain compliance, and continue to drive innovation without compromising security.

The message is clear: compliance is as crucial to a university's mission as its research output. It's time for all research institutions to take note and act accordingly. 

If you’re a cyber leader wanting to make quick, effective progress toward demonstrating data security in compliance with regulations like CMMC and ITAR, [contact our team](https://www.virtru.com/contact-us). We’d love to work with you to bolster data protection and strengthen compliance in your research programs. 

![Shelby Imes](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/blog%20-%20collaborate%20webinar%20recap/shelby-headshot.jpeg)

### Shelby Imes

Shelby is the Manager of Content Strategy at Virtru with a specialty in SEO, social media, and digital campaigns. She has produced content for major players in healthcare, home services, broadcast media, and now data security.

[View more posts by Shelby Imes](https://www.virtru.com/blog/author/shelby-imes)

See Virtru In Action

Book a Demo

Sign Up for the Virtru Newsletter

## Dive Deeper

![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/left-arrow-circle-blue.webp)

[![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/blog%20-%20cyera%20oasis/cyera-oasis.webp)

Commentary

July 29, 2026

### The Coin Has Two Sides: What Cyera's Acquisition of Oasis Tells Us About the Future of Security

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/data-centric-security/cyera-oasis) [![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/26-Competitor-Blog%20-%20Virtru%20vs%20Box%20copy.webp)

File Encryption

July 28, 2026

### Virtru Collaborate vs. Box: Secure File Sharing for Businesses of Any Size

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/virtru-collaborate-vs-box-enterprise) [![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/blog%20-%20william%20mcborrough%20recap/cmmc-compass-will-mcborrough.webp)

Compliance

July 22, 2026

### The $600,000 Problem: What the CMMC Pause Actually Revealed About the Defense Industrial Base

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/mcglobaltech-cmmc-compass) [![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/blog%20-%20three%20stories/three-stories.webp)

Zero Trust

July 21, 2026

### Last Week in Critical Infrastructure: Three Stories You Should Read as One

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/data-centric-security/three-stories-converge) [![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/blog%20-%20cmmc%20on%20hold/CMMC-Pause-CUI-Not.webp)

Public Sector

July 14, 2026

### CMMC Phase II Is Officially on Hold. NIST and DFARS aren't.

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/cmmc-phase-2-on-hold-nist-dfars) [![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/2026%20Newsletter%20Assets/jk-HIO.png)

Zero Trust

July 10, 2026

### We Asked Kindervag: Why Are So Many Organizations Still Getting Zero Trust Wrong?

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/zero-trust/kindervag-yeske) [![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/blog%20-%20ShareFile%20Takedown/26-Competitor-Blog-Blog%20-%20Virtru%20vs%20Sharefile.jpg)

File Encryption

July 10, 2026

### Looking for a ShareFile Alternative? Here's What Regulated Organizations Need to Know.

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/file-encryption/citrix-progress-sharefile) [![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/blog%20-%20sendsafely%20takedown/26-Competitor-Blog-Blog%20-%20Virtru%20vs%20SendSafely%20(1).jpg)

File Encryption

July 08, 2026

### SendSafely vs. Virtru: Which Secure File Sharing Platform Protects Your Data After Download?

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/file-encryption/sendsafely) [![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/blog/26-Competitor-Blog-Blog%20-%20Virtru%20vs%20Dropbox.webp)

File Encryption

July 07, 2026

### Dropbox Alternatives for Secure File Sharing: What IT Teams Are Missing

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/dropbox-alternatives-secure-file-sharing) [![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/blog%20-%20alex%20karp/alex-karp.jpg)

Commentary

July 07, 2026

### Alex Karp Is Right About the AI Problem. He's Missing the Solution.

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/zero-trust/alex-karp-palantir-data-sovereignty) [![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/blog%20-%20SACR%20Report/anna-perrone-commentary%20copy.webp)

Email Encryption

June 29, 2026

### The Email Security Report Every CISO Should Read, And the Questions It Should Inspire

](https://www.virtru.com/blog/email-security/sacr-anna-perrone-report-2026)

![](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/right-arrow-circle-blue.webp)

## Book a Demo

## Become a Partner

Contact us to learn more about our partnership opportunities.

## Become a Compliance Champion

Contact us to learn more about our partnership opportunities.

- Products
  
    - [Product Overview](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/product-overview)
    - [Virtru for Google Workspace](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/google-workspace)
    - [Virtru for Microsoft 365](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/microsoft-365)
    - [Data Protection Gateway](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-data-gateway)
    - [Pricing](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/pricing-packages)
- Compliance
  
    - [HIPAA](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/hipaa-email)
    - [ITAR](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/itar)
    - [GDPR](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/gdpr)
    - [CJIS](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/cjis)
    - [NIST CUI](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/nist)
    - [CCPA](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/ccpa)
    - [FERPA](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/ferpa)
    - [CMMC](https://www.virtru.com/compliance/cmmc)
- Industries
  
    - [Healthcare](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/healthcare/)
    - [Education](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/education/)
    - [IT & Software](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/telecom-it-and-software)
    - [Federal Government](https://www.virtru.com/global-public-sector)
    - [State & Local Government](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/state-local-government)
    - [Manufacturing](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/manufacturing)
    - [Financial Services](https://www.virtru.com/industry-solutions/financial-services/)
- Platform
  
    - [Email Encryption](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/email-encryption)
    - [File Encryption](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/file-encryption)
    - [Platform Architecture](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/saas)
    - [Trusted Data Format](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/trusted-data-format)
    - [Secure Reader](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/secure-collaboration)
    - [Audit and Control](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/audit-and-control)
    - [Encryption Key Management](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/virtru-private-keystore)
- Resources
  
    - [About Virtru](https://www.virtru.com/about-us)
    - [Blog](https://www.virtru.com/blog)
    - [Careers](https://www.virtru.com/careers)
    - [Leadership & Investors](https://www.virtru.com/leadership/)
    - [News & Press](https://www.virtru.com/press)
    - [Partners](https://www.virtru.com/partners/)
    - [Intellectual Property](https://www.virtru.com/intellectual-property/)
    - [Security Certifications](https://www.virtru.com/data-security-platform/compliance)
    - Resource Library
- Contact Us
  
    - [Contact Us](https://www.virtru.com/contact-us)
    - [Support](https://support.virtru.com/)
    - [Sales](https://www.virtru.com/contact-us)
    - [Become a Partner](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/cmmc/georgia-tech-lawsuit#footer)
    - [Report a Vulnerability](https://www.virtru.com/responsible-disclosure/)

[![Virtur Logo](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/virtru/white/tagline/virtru_TAGLINE_LOGOMASTER_WHITE-01.svg)](https://www.virtru.com/)

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

[![X Icon](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/x-white.svg)](https://x.com/virtruprivacy) [![LinkedIn Icon](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/linkedin-white.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtru) [![Youtube Icon](https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/youtube-white.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/@Virtru)

© 2026 Virtru · 1801 Pennsylvania Ave NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20006

[Terms](https://www.virtru.com/terms-of-service) & [Privacy](https://www.virtru.com/privacy-policy) | [Cookie Policy](https://www.virtru.com/cookie-policy) & [Preferences ![Pivacy Options logo](https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/images/privacy/privacyoptions.svg)](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/cmmc/georgia-tech-lawsuit#footer) | [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/cmmc/georgia-tech-lawsuit#footer) | [Virtru Trust Center](https://trust.virtru.com/?_ga=2.215796503.1200908638.1747067694-1753239414.1744322796&_gac=1.175361302.1744660048.EAIaIQobChMIppzvranJjAMVN0pHAR3F7gNdEAAYAiAAEgL4qfD_BwE)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://www.virtru.com/#organization",
  "@type" : "Organization",
  "description" : "Virtru is a data security platform delivering end-to-end encryption and access control for email, files and apps. Trusted by enterprise and defense leaders",
  "logo" : "https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/images/logos/virtru/blue/virtru_LOGOMASTER_BLUE_HighRes.png",
  "name" : "Virtru",
  "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/virtruprivacy", "https://www.x.com/virtruprivacy", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtru", "https://www.reddit.com/user/virtru_privacy", "https://www.youtube.com/@Virtru" ],
  "url" : "https://www.virtru.com/"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Shelby Imes",
    "url" : "https://www.virtru.com/blog/author/shelby-imes"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-02-26T16:52:28.468Z",
  "datePublished" : "2024-08-27T21:00:02.000Z",
  "headline" : "Georgia Tech Lawsuit: A Wake-Up Call for Research Universities",
  "image" : [ "https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/assets/temporary%20(use%20this%20for%20uploading%20unoptimized%20images,%20videos,%20etc)/georgia-tech.webp" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.virtru.com/blog/compliance/cmmc/georgia-tech-lawsuit",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.virtru.com/hubfs/virtru2022/images/Virtru%20Logo%20Blue%20(2).svg"
    },
    "name" : "Virtru"
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "ItemList",
  "itemListElement" : [ {
    "@type" : "SiteNavigationElement",
    "name" : "Products",
    "position" : 1
  }, {
    "@type" : "SiteNavigationElement",
    "name" : "Solutions",
    "position" : 2
  }, {
    "@type" : "SiteNavigationElement",
    "name" : "Developers",
    "position" : 3
  }, {
    "@type" : "SiteNavigationElement",
    "name" : "Company",
    "position" : 4
  }, {
    "@type" : "SiteNavigationElement",
    "name" : "Resources",
    "position" : 5
  }, {
    "@type" : "SiteNavigationElement",
    "name" : "Support",
    "position" : 6,
    "url" : "https://support.virtru.com"
  }, {
    "@type" : "SiteNavigationElement",
    "name" : "Pricing",
    "position" : 7
  } ],
  "name" : "Main Navigation"
}
```