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Shenandoah County Public Schools Secures Pandemic Communications with Virtru

Shenandoah County Public Schools

"We would recommend it to other organizations, especially those using Gmail, who are looking for a straightforward, cost-effective email encryption solution."

Douglas Culler

Director of IT

As a public education institution, Shenandoah County Public Schools handles sensitive student and staff information on a daily basis. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the need for secure, encrypted communication became urgent and critical. Under the leadership of Douglas Culler, Director of IT, the school system took swift action to implement robust, easy-to-use email encryption to meet this sudden challenge.

The Search for A Pandemic-Ready Email Security Solution

As the pandemic unfolded, Culler and his team found themselves in uncharted territory. They needed an encryption solution, and they needed it fast. But speed couldn't come at the expense of functionality or ease of use.

"We evaluated several solutions," Culler said. "Finding a solution that integrated with Gmail as opposed to other solutions was crucial."

The team evaluated several options, but kept running into the same problem: most solutions either didn't play nice with Gmail or were too complex for quick deployment across a diverse staff with varying tech skills.

Virtru's Capabilities

In Virtru, Shenandoah County Public Schools found their Goldilocks solution—not too complex, not too basic, but just right. Here's what made Virtru stand out:

  1. Direct Gmail Integration: "It integrated directly into Gmail and we did not need to subscribe to a hosted secure email solution," Culler emphasized. This seamless integration was crucial for maintaining efficient workflows while enhancing security during a time of rapid change.
  2. User-Friendly Interface: The ease of implementation and management was a standout feature. "Virtru is very easy to implement and manage," Culler noted. This simplicity ensured high adoption rates across the school system, even as staff were adapting to remote and hybrid work environments.
  3. Cost-Effective Solution: In an environment where budget considerations are always important, and particularly during the economic uncertainties of the pandemic, Virtru's "reasonable price" was a significant factor in the decision-making process.
  4. Swift Implementation: The ability to quickly deploy Virtru across the school system was crucial in meeting the sudden need for secure communication brought on by the pandemic.

Reaping the Rewards: Secure Communication in Turbulent Times

With Virtru in place, Shenandoah County Public Schools didn't just weather the storm—they emerged stronger. The new system allowed them to:

  • Shield sensitive information during a time of increased online interaction
  • Stay on the right side of education sector data protection rules, even as operations went through a seismic shift
  • Keep workflows smooth by integrating seamlessly with familiar tools
  • Boost security without burdening staff with lengthy training sessions

Culler's endorsement speaks volumes about Virtru's impact: "Virtru is very easy to implement and manage. We would recommend it to other organizations, especially those using Gmail, who are looking for a straightforward, cost-effective email encryption solution."

By prioritizing email security even in the midst of a global crisis, Shenandoah County Public Schools showed that protecting student and staff information isn't just a compliance box to tick—it's a commitment to the community they serve.

Ready to see how Virtru can help your school navigate the new normal of secure communication? Book a demo with our team today.

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