Govstack: Building a Secure and Compliant Digital Foundation for Municipalities

By Karthikeyan Kumaran - June 19, 2024

Over the last decade municipalities and local governments have faced a critical challenge: balancing the need for efficient, accessible services with robust data security and regulatory compliance. Citizen information, financial records, and other sensitive data require the utmost protection. This is where Govstack comes in, offering a comprehensive platform designed to empower municipalities with secure, compliant solutions that can safeguard your citizen data and ensure all compliance are in place so you as government official you can do what you do the best: to better serve your residents.  

When choosing the right Content Management System (CMS), it is also important to understand how data & security encompasses protecting the website itself and your residents’ information as it will your sole place of truth in your digital service delivery.   

Microsoft Azure: A Trusted Cloud Foundation 

Govstack leverages the power of Microsoft Azure, a globally recognized cloud platform known for its stringent security protocols. Azure adheres to a wide range of international compliance standards, giving municipalities peace of mind that their data is held to the highest security benchmarks. 

Multi-layered Security for Enhanced Protection 

Govstack's security measures extend far beyond the underlying platform. Here's a closer look at the key features that safeguard your data: 

  • Secure Hosting and Data Storage: Govstack utilizes geographically distributed data centers with robust physical and logical security measures. Data is encrypted at rest and in transit, ensuring it remains unreadable even in a breach. 

  • Granular User Access Control: Govstack implements a role-based access control system (RBAC). This ensures that only authorized users have access to specific data and functionalities based on their designated roles within the municipality.  

  • Secure Infrastructure: The Govstack platform is built on a secure infrastructure that undergoes regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. This proactive approach identifies potential weaknesses and allows for timely remediation, minimizing security risks and reduces vulnerability and false positives.  

  • SSL Encryption: Govstack utilizes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption to safeguard all communication between users and the platform. This ensures that data transmitted over the internet remains confidential and protected from unauthorized interception. 

PCI Compliance for Financial Transactions 

For municipalities that process sensitive payment information, Govstack offers Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant solutions. These solutions adhere to rigorous security standards specifically designed to protect credit card data. 

End-to-End Encryption: Protecting Data at All Stages 

Govstack employs robust encryption methods to safeguard data throughout its lifecycle. Data is encrypted at rest, meaning it remains unreadable even if accessed by unauthorized users. Additionally, data is encrypted in transit, ensuring its protection while moving between systems. All data in transit is encrypted via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Data in Azure is stored at rest on disk with 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption. 

Data Security and Uptimes 

Govstack provides an impressive monthly uptime of 99.95%, supported by the round-the-clock, 365-days-a-year service. With just minimal scheduled maintenance (less than 4 hours per year), sites stay accessible when it matters most. Plus, in the unlikely event of any downtime, there are service credits provided.   

SSO and MFA: Adding Layers of Authentication 

The Govstack platform offers Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for an additional layer of security. SSO allows users to access various applications with a single login, streamlining the user experience while reducing the risk of unauthorized access due to weak passwords. MFA requires additional verification steps beyond a password, like a fingerprint scan or a one-time code, making unauthorized login attempts significantly more difficult. 

 Accessibility: Secure Doesn't Mean Excluded 

Govstack prioritizes accessibility alongside security. The platform is designed to comply with WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards, ensuring equal access to information and services for all citizens, regardless of ability. 

Disaster Recovery 

Imagine needing a critical document or service from your municipality, only to encounter an outage. With Govstack, that's a worry of the past. Our system prioritizes 24/7 availability, ensuring you can access the information and services you need, whenever you need them. 

Here's how we achieve this remarkable feat: 

  • Rapid Recovery: We have a Recovery Time Objective (RTO) of 2 hours and a Recovery Point Objective (RPO) of 1 hour. In simpler terms, this means even in the unlikely event of an issue, we can restore your data and services within a short timeframe, minimizing disruption and services to your residents.  

  • Smart Traffic Routing: Our platforms boast a near-perfect uptime guarantee (99.99% SLA). Think of it as a super-smart switchboard that automatically redirects traffic to ensure your Govstack services remain accessible, even during unexpected situations. 

  • Rock-Solid Foundation: Govstack leverages the power of Microsoft Azure's redundant infrastructure. This means multiple systems back up critical functions, so your municipality's operations can continue uninterrupted, even if there's a hardware failure. 

Maintaining Peace of Mind 

Transparency is a paramount consideration for government organizations. Govstack prioritizes transparency. Municipalities can access detailed audit logs to track user activity and data access, providing a clear picture of how their data is being used. This transparency fosters trust and empowers municipalities to demonstrate their commitment to data security. 

Investing in the Future 

Govstack doesn't just offer a secure platform; it provides ongoing support to municipalities. The platform is constantly evolving to address emerging threats and stay ahead of the security curve. Additionally, it boasts a dedicated support team to assist municipalities with any security concerns or queries they may have. With its robust security features, compliance certifications, and commitment to ongoing support, Govstack offers a secure and trusted foundation for building a strong digital future for municipalities and their citizens.