Research data is central to any research project.  It must be securely stored and backed up.

Secure storage advice:

• Keep at least 3 copies of research data
• Keep physical copies like CDs or DVDs in addition to electronic storage 
• Data with sensitive, confidential, or restricted information must be encrypted (both while stored and in transit)

McMaster UTS has developed an information classification matrix to help understand data security requirements of McMaster policies.

SEAL

Spark’s Secure Empirical Analysis Lab (SEAL) has secure servers and MobiKeys - highly secure means of off-site access for your team and collaborators. Visit the SEAL website to learn more or request a consult here. 

MacDrive

For day to day file sharing and cloud storage, all Faculty and Staff have free access to MacDrive, a privately hosted, secure, cloud storage solution offering features similar to but without the potential security or legal concerns commercial providers.

Like commercial tools from Dropbox and Google, MacDrive files can be synced using a desktop program installed on your local computer. Data stored on MacDrive resides in two separate data centres with multiple redundancies.

Faculty and Staff can request access for their team members and collaborators, including student staff members, RAs, TAs, community members, collaborators, and anyone else with whom you need to securely share your research data.