Powerful encryption software selected to improve state data security

Negotiated price available to all Ohio government agencies and schools

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s State Chief Information Officer Steve Edmonson announced today the selection of powerful data encryption software to increase the security of state of Ohio data regardless of the device on which it is stored — a laptop, personal computer, personal digital assistant, memory stick, smart phone, DVD or CD.

“The task force did an exemplary job of outlining and consolidating security requirements in a very tight time frame,” Edmonson said. “It was a tremendous effort. Based on their work, OIT was able to expedite the selection of the best-suited product and negotiate a contract that will benefit everyone.”

The purchasing power of the state was leveraged to negotiate a contract with SafeBoot that will result in cost avoidance of approximately $3.7 million compared to agencies purchasing similar products on their own.

The total does not include additional savings that will be realized by other government agencies. The special pricing negotiated by the state can be taken advantage of by city and county governments, colleges and universities and K-12 schools throughout Ohio by utilizing DAS’ cooperative purchasing program.

“The bottom line is tax dollars are being used wisely through this selection and the negotiated contract,” Edmonson said. “The extension of SafeBoot contract-pricing ensures that Ohio schools and all levels of government can purchase the best data security at the best price.”

Gartner, a leading international IT research and advisory firm, considers SafeBoot among the best encryption and access control technologies. SafeBoot protects data, personal computing and mobile storage devices against compromises caused by unauthorized access and theft. About 60,000 licenses for the software are expected to be ordered. DAS and the cross-agency task force will continue to work together to implement SafeBoot on state devices in coming months.

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