How Gonzaga College High School Unified Email & File Security with Virtru Gmail Encryption and Secure Share

The Challenge: Departmental Silos and Security Inconsistencies

"Each department was doing their own thing with regard to secure data transfer," explains Morton. "In the technology department we deal with credentials, the business office has financial data, our development office deals with alumni data, etc."

This siloed approach created the potential for security inconsistencies across the organization. Meanwhile, cyber insurance providers were increasing pressure on educational institutions to establish stronger security policies and implement robust data protection tools.

Morton knew they needed a comprehensive solution that could address these challenges while aligning with their technology philosophy. "My focus in managing the technology here is on performance, availability, usability and security. I also believe strongly in the enterprise architecture practice of constant evaluation, refresh and improvement in the technology environment."

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Finding the Right Fit: Beyond Standard Solutions

Having encountered Virtru during a previous role, Morton was reintroduced to the platform when assuming their position at Gonzaga. What immediately stood out was Virtru's comprehensive approach that addressed both email encryption through the Gmail plugin and secure file sharing through Secure Share.

As a Google Workspace school, Gonzaga particularly valued how Virtru's Gmail encryption plugin integrated directly into their existing email environment. The plugin gave staff the ability to simply toggle encryption on or off when sending sensitive information, apply expiration dates to emails, revoke access after sending, and disable forwarding – all critical features for protecting student information, financial data, and alumni communications.

Meanwhile, Virtru's Secure Share platform provided a secure cloud-native file sharing solution that complemented the email protection, allowing staff to safely exchange larger files and documents while maintaining the same level of access control and visibility.

Usability: The Key to Security Adoption

While security capabilities were essential, another element was weighing heavily in the decision-making process: usability. Previous experiences had shown that even the most sophisticated security tools fail if users find them cumbersome or disruptive to their workflows.

"The usability factor was key for me," emphasizes Morton. "Of course I wanted to make sure the technology was sound and provided support in the key functional areas of concern for us, but it also has to be easy to use to get people to buy in."

This focus on usability made Virtru's solutions particularly attractive. Virtru Gmail encryption added protection without forcing users to leave their familiar email interface, while Secure Share offered a straightforward approach to exchanging files securely – both vital for ensuring adoption across departments with varying levels of technical expertise.

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A Seamless Transition to Unified Security

The implementation began with deploying Virtru's Gmail encryption and Secure Share to Gonzaga's business office and development office – the departments handling the most sensitive financial and alumni information. What could have been a challenging transition proved remarkably smooth, largely due to Virtru's integration with their existing environment.

"The Gmail integration works very well for us," Morton explains. This compatibility eliminated the friction often associated with adopting new security tools, allowing staff to incorporate secure data transfer practices into their daily routines without disruption.

As the solution rolled out, staff quickly discovered features that enhanced both security and convenience. The ability to protect email attachments and apply expiration dates to sensitive documents became particularly popular, giving departments control over how long recipients could access shared information – a significant improvement over previous methods.

For larger files that exceeded email attachment limits, Secure Share provided a simple alternative to unsecured file-sharing services, allowing staff to maintain the same level of protection and control regardless of file size. The platform's ability to request files securely also streamlined workflows when collecting sensitive information from parents, alumni, patrons, or external partners.

"The feedback has been very positive so far," reports Morton. "The ability to protect and apply expiration dates to attachments is very popular."

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Beyond Department Walls: Strengthening the Security Posture

The benefits of implementing Virtru's Gmail encryption and Secure Share extended beyond just streamlining departmental operations. Especially in recent years, cybersecurity insurance has become increasingly important – and increasingly demanding in its requirements.

By implementing Virtru as their standard secure data transfer solution, Gonzaga significantly improved their standing with cyber insurance providers. The comprehensive protection capabilities of both the Gmail plugin and Secure Share demonstrated the school's commitment to data security, potentially influencing coverage terms and premiums.

The granular audit logs available through both solutions also provide Gonzaga with visibility into how protected information is being accessed and shared – critical information for security assessments and compliance reporting. Should a security incident occur, these logs would enable the IT team to quickly determine whether sensitive information had been compromised and take appropriate action.

For Morton, these additional benefits reinforced the value of their decision: "I would say to any school that Virtru is going to serve you well in providing a comprehensive secure data transfer solution and improve your standing with cyber insurance providers."

The Bigger Picture: Security as an Educational Principle

Gonzaga's implementation of Virtru's Gmail encryption and Secure Share represents more than just a technology solution – it aligns with the school's broader commitment to the pursuit of excellence and holistic approach to education. In an institution dedicated to developing "men for others," protecting sensitive information in the school community aligns perfectly with their educational principles.

Morton understands that security technology must evolve continually to address emerging threats: "IT security is one of those areas that is fertile ground for improvements and demands constant evolution to keep pace with the dynamic changes happening in the threat landscape."

By establishing a unified approach to secure data transfer through Virtru's solutions, Gonzaga has created a foundation that can adapt to these changing demands while maintaining the balance of security and usability that made their initial implementation successful.

For other educational institutions facing similar challenges with departmental fragmentation and increasing security pressures, Gonzaga's experience offers a compelling roadmap. By focusing on comprehensive protection through integrated email encryption and secure file sharing, seamless integration with existing systems, and user-friendly interfaces, schools can unify their approach to data security while supporting their broader educational mission.

As Morton puts it: "Virtru is going to serve you well in providing a comprehensive secure data transfer solution." For Gonzaga College High School, that solution has transformed departmental silos into a cohesive security approach – helping protect the sensitive information of a community dedicated to developing young male leaders.