How OSCIL protects sensitive client data on the go with Proton VPN
At a glance
Organization profile: The Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) is a nonprofit organization that provides services to people with disabilities in Rhode Island.
Industry: Digital marketing | Web development | Remote staffing(nové okno)
Organization size: ~29 employees
Problem: OSCIL staff regularly access sensitive personal data while working remotely or on public networks, increasing the risk of data exposure.
Achievement: With Proton VPN, OSCIL improved network security for remote staff, reduced exposure to scams and pop-ups, and supported secure access to sensitive state and client data.
Why Proton VPN was the right fit:
Easy deployment and onboarding for non-technical users
Open source, independently audited for transparency
Affordable and nonprofit-friendly pricing
The Ocean State Center for Independent Living(nové okno) (OSCIL) plays a big role in supporting people with disabilities in Rhode Island. OSCIL helps individuals navigate complex government systems, improve accessibility in their homes, and live more independently. From setting up smart home technology to assisting with Medicaid paperwork, OSCIL’s team of independent living coordinators travels across the state to meet people where they are.
But this level of mobile support comes with challenges, especially when staff rely on public WiFi, hotspots, or home networks to access sensitive client information. OSCIL needed a secure, affordable way to protect its data and maintain privacy in the field.
After turning to Proton VPN, they discovered additional benefits, from malware blocking features to its accessible interface for employees with disabilities.
Securing sensitive data on the move
OSCIL staff routinely work outside the office, logging into systems like OneDrive and a national database for independent living centers that contains sensitive personal information. These systems store details like names, financial records, and information related to Medicaid and Medicare access.
"Between the browser connection and then also OneDrive, we do store consumers financial information and personal information for self identification, including disability codes, which, of course, can be very personal," said John Valletta, IL Coordinator and Technology Coach with OSCIL.
The problem extended to home networks too, especially as staff began working remotely.
“We do have people work from home at least once per week. It's not to say their home networks are insecure, but they're not guaranteed,” Valletta said.
Choosing Proton VPN for trusted security
OSCIL considered several well-known VPN services before choosing Proton VPN, which stood out for its privacy-first, open-source approach.
Valletta said his top priority was choosing a secure VPN that could back up its security claims with proof. All of Proton VPN's apps are open source and audited(nové okno) by third-party security researchers.
"I like the open source aspect, as somebody who runs open, vetted systems. After some research for security purposes, we wanted to make sure it was verified and some of these other companies are not. I understand some of the others' prices may have been cheaper, but as a company the price of our data is more important," Valletta said.
Built-in protections against spam and malware
Right away, OSCIL noticed improvements beyond just encrypted connections. Several staff members had previously dealt with scam pop-ups and malicious websites.
Proton VPN’s NetShield ad-blocker and anti-malware feature filters out this type of content, preventing domains associated with malicious content from reaching your devices.
"Quite a few of my co workers had issues with these scam pop-ups," Valletta said. "After Proton being installed, I had no issues again with that."
Simple setup and reliable performance
OSCIL also appreciated Proton VPN’s accessible interface and simple deployment. The staff used Proton’s email setup and automatic password generation to roll out the software, and supported users with password managers when needed. Most importantly, it worked reliably across the state, including in nursing homes, where networks can be slower, unstable, and unprotected.
"At nursing homes, which is one place we have to use WiFi connections a lot of times, we need a VPN, because there's so much going on in those networks you can't really trust them as much as you want to," he said.
In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that more than half of the staff at centers for independent living must be people with disabilities, so they value tools that are intuitive and simple. Proton VPN’s accessible interface, including its simple Quick Connect button, made it easier for all team members to use the service without needing to navigate complex settings.
"With the Quick Connect button and things like that, it is very straightforward. The Quick Connect really does make it easy for a lot of people who may not understand what's going on," he said.
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Today, OSCIL uses Proton VPN to secure around 20 employees. The team relies on Proton VPN for safe access to critical systems whether they’re working from home, a nursing home, or a client’s home across the state.
"Proton VPN couldn't have been easier to deploy ... it was a great experience," Valletta said.
If you’re interested in how Proton VPN can support your organization, view our plans or contact our sales team.