Securing the Mountain State: ​​West Virginia Office of Technology Strengthens Data Security with Virtru

The West Virginia Office of Technology (WVOT) serves as the central IT hub for the state's executive branch, supporting approximately 24,000 employees across various agencies. In November 2020, WVOT took a significant step forward by migrating to Google Workspace, modernizing their digital infrastructure. However, this transition exposed a critical need for enhanced data protection.

As the guardian of sensitive state information, ranging from citizen personal data to confidential government communications, WVOT required a robust solution to ensure data security throughout its lifecycle – which is why they turned to Virtru.

The Result

By implementing Virtru, WVOT has achieved:

• Compliance with CJIS, HIPAA, and IRS Pub1075 requirements through end-to-end encryption

• Seamless secure sharing of emails and files in Gmail and Google Drive

• Complete control over state data, eliminating third-party access

Google Workspace: Progress, but Not a Fix-All

The Google Workspace migration was a game-changer, but it came with its share of security hurdles. WVOT found itself facing a significant challenge: protecting a vast array of sensitive information shared externally by staff across state agencies.

Their move to Google Workspace modernized operations, but it also highlighted the potential for a gap in a  data protection strategy. They needed a solution that could safeguard the diverse range of sensitive information handled by various agencies, from public safety data to health records and tax information.

Enter Virtru: Security Meets Simplicity

In Virtru, WVOT found a partner in their digital transformation journey. Virtru's user-friendly approach was a perfect fit, integrating seamlessly with Google Workspace and requiring minimal changes to existing workflows.

The impact was immediate and far-reaching. Staff could now easily encrypt sensitive emails and files, while external recipients could access protected information without the hassle of additional software or new accounts. This simplicity proved crucial for widespread adoption across departments, from Public Safety to Health and Human Resources.

With Virtru, WVOT significantly enhanced its data protection capabilities. Granular access controls and the ability to revoke access to shared information gave the office unprecedented control over state data.

Meeting standards like CJIS, HIPAA, and IRS Pub1075 became not just achievable, but routine. WVOT could now handle sensitive data across various domains with confidence, strengthening public trust in government operations.

Collaboration Without Compromise

Virtru's solution broke down barriers to secure collaboration, both within state agencies and with external partners. Departments could now share sensitive information efficiently without compromising security.

The implementation of Virtru marked a real milestone for WVOT. Now, their staff can focus on their core responsibilities, confident in the knowledge that security measures are robust and user-friendly.

For instance, the Department of Health and Human Resources gained the ability to securely share protected health information, while the Department of Revenue could safely handle sensitive tax data. This enhanced security enabled more effective inter-agency cooperation and improved services to West Virginia's citizens.

Charting the Course Ahead

The world will continue to modernize, and so will threats. But WVOT's partnership with Virtru positions them to adapt and strengthen their security measures. The flexible nature of Virtru's solution allows WVOT to expand and adjust their data protection strategies as needed.

By implementing Virtru's suite of encryption solutions, the West Virginia Office of Technology has not only addressed its immediate data protection needs but also laid a solid foundation for future security enhancements. This proactive approach demonstrates WVOT's commitment to protecting citizen information and maintaining trust in government operations, ensuring West Virginia stays at the forefront of secure digital governance.