Family and Children’s Services (FCS), a prominent mental health nonprofit in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been a cornerstone of community support for over a century. FCS offers a wide range of programs, including child abuse and trauma support, family counseling, and assistance for those grappling with substance abuse and addiction. As FCS expanded its operations and adapted to online services during the COVID-19 pandemic, it encountered significant challenges in securing its extensive IT infrastructure and managing numerous endpoints.
The Need for Enhanced Endpoint Management
Rise in Teletherapy and IT Security Challenges
With the onset of the pandemic, FCS saw an exponential increase in its staff and a shift towards teletherapy and telemedicine services. This transition, although necessary, posed new challenges for the organization’s IT security. Brent Harris, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at FCS, recognized that the existing legacy system was inadequate in providing the necessary oversight and protection for such a dynamic and growing IT environment. The need for a robust endpoint management solution became apparent, and the search for a suitable technological platform began in earnest.
The integration of advanced endpoint management technology was essential not only to manage the growing number of devices but also to ensure their security amidst rising cyber threats. FCS decided to pilot the Tanium endpoint management platform, known for its comprehensive capabilities in device oversight. During the trial period, Tanium effectively identified devices that the legacy system had missed, ensuring that alerts and updates reached all endpoints. This proactive approach was crucial for maintaining secure and efficient operations across FCS’s expanding virtual landscape.
Ensuring Security and Compliance
The effectiveness of Tanium became particularly evident when an active shooter incident occurred in the community, underscoring the need for a reliable notification system to protect employees during crises. Tanium’s ability to provide accurate, real-time visibility into the network enabled FCS to ensure 100% device compliance with security protocols. This meant that all devices were consistently updated with the latest security measures, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber threats.
Brent Harris emphasized the importance of conducting system trials to determine the suitability of a technology solution for organizational needs. The trial of Tanium proved to be a pivotal step in FCS’s journey toward a more secure and manageable IT environment. By leveraging Tanium’s advanced endpoint management capabilities, FCS strengthened its overall IT infrastructure, thereby enhancing its ability to continue providing critical mental health services to the community.
Addressing IT Challenges with Technological Automation
Balancing Security and Service Delivery
FCS’s experience highlights the critical role of technological automation in addressing IT challenges for nonprofit organizations, particularly those in the mental health sector. Integrating advanced endpoint management solutions like Tanium allows organizations to maintain the delicate balance between stringent security requirements and the compassionate delivery of services. This balance is imperative for organizations like FCS, which must protect sensitive client information while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential support programs.
The successful implementation of Tanium at FCS exemplifies a proactive, responsive strategy that prioritizes both technological efficiency and the well-being of service providers and recipients. By automating routine IT tasks and streamlining security processes, FCS was able to mitigate the risks associated with rapid organizational growth and increased online service delivery. This approach enabled FCS to maintain a high standard of care for its clients, even in the face of unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Reinforcing Organizational Capacity
Family and Children’s Services (FCS), a leading mental health nonprofit in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been a bedrock of community aid for more than a hundred years. FCS provides a comprehensive array of programs, which include support for child abuse victims and trauma survivors, family counseling, and resources for individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Throughout its history, FCS has continually evolved to meet the needs of the community. However, the transition to online services during the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, forcing the organization to confront and shore up its expansive IT infrastructure. Managing numerous digital endpoints became a critical task, as securing sensitive client information and ensuring confidential communication channels were paramount. Despite these challenges, FCS has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing essential mental health services and support to the Tulsa community, continuing to be a vital resource in times of both crisis and everyday need.
