Q6: I am the author or owner of an original dataset that contains sensitive or proprietary information. Can Spark store and manage access to the dataset for my research team or other users?

Probably! Spark’s Secure Empirical Analysis Lab (SEAL) is a secure data lab that provides a safe environment for hosting confidential data. Researchers may use the physical lab located in a restricted area of the L. R. Wilson building located at McMaster. 

They can also use the lab remotely with a MobiKey encryption device, which is a non-VPN based secure remote access system used by governments and military organizations – MobiKeys can be used by colleagues anywhere in the world to gain secure access. SEAL can also help develop data sharing agreements for your users.

SEAL uses server based thin client technology which provides very large data storage and memory capacity.  Users have the option to choose between machines that have 16GB of memory or machines with 32GB or 64GB of memory. SEAL security is maintained by several layers of protection which include physical access controls, video monitoring, firewall isolation from the internet, and data access controls. 

 You can set up an appointment to discuss use of the SEAL lab here.