Tool Overview:
Virtru

About Virtru

Virtru is a data-centric security platform that provides encryption and access control capabilities for sensitive information shared via email and files. The platform focuses on protecting data throughout its lifecycle, particularly when shared across cloud services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. At its core, Virtru utilizes end-to-end encryption with FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules and the Trusted Data Format (TDF), an open standard developed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

What does Virtru do?

The platform enables organizations to encrypt emails and files while maintaining granular control over who can access protected content. Through its Private Keystore feature, users can host their own encryption keys in their preferred environment, ensuring complete data ownership. The platform includes data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities that automatically detect and encrypt sensitive information before it leaves an organization's security boundary.

Virtru's Secure Share functionality allows users to send and receive encrypted files of varying sizes both internally and externally. The platform integrates with existing workflows through features like the Gmail Chrome Extension and Outlook Add-In, incorporating security controls directly into users' regular email interfaces. Administrators can predetermine security settings for both internal and external senders, and the platform provides detailed audit trails of data access and sharing activities.

What makes Virtru different?

A key distinguishing feature of Virtru is its compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. The platform has achieved FedRAMP authorization at the moderate impact level and maintains compliance with standards such as FIPS 140-2, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS. For organizations handling ITAR technical data, Virtru supports compliance with the State Department's 120.54 encryption carve-out rule, preventing access by non-U.S. entities while enabling secure sharing across cloud-based workflows.

The platform's architecture separates encryption key management from the protected data itself, allowing organizations to maintain control over their keys while still leveraging cloud services. This approach differs from traditional end-to-end encryption methods like PGP and S/MIME by providing more transparent key exchanges and simpler recipient access without requiring new accounts or software installation.

Use cases and industries

Virtru serves various sectors with specific compliance needs, including federal government agencies, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and defense contractors. The platform is particularly relevant for organizations handling Criminal Justice Information (CJI), protected health information (PHI), and controlled unclassified information (CUI).

For law enforcement agencies, Virtru enables CJIS-compliant data sharing while supporting digital workflows for remote government workers and distributed agency teams. In the financial sector, the platform helps organizations meet FTC Safeguards Rule requirements for protecting customer data. Defense contractors use Virtru to maintain CMMC 2.0 compliance and secure sensitive technical data throughout their supply chains.