Case Study: Washington County Public Schools strengthens identity security with Data Networks and Microsoft Entra ID

Washington County Public Schools centralizes authentication across 46 schools with Data Networks

Washington County Public Schools, a large public school district in Maryland, faced a complex challenge with user authentication across 11 different applications using three separate platforms. This fragmented system created support difficulties and left them non-compliant with their cybersecurity insurance policy, which required multi-factor authentication (MFA), making their data vulnerable. They engaged vendor Data Networks to assist in consolidating onto Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Entra ID).

Data Networks provided a comprehensive solution, beginning with an assessment and strategy before actively assisting the WCPS technology team in migrating thousands of authentication records to Microsoft Entra ID. They implemented Microsoft Authenticator for MFA and guided the district to use the MyApps portal for a consolidated user experience. The project resulted in centralized identity management, streamlined support, and significantly enhanced data security. WCPS staff now use a single set of credentials, and the technology team reports no overwhelming access issues, with the user community having fully accepted the new MFA process.

Washington County Public Schools