Cloud Storage

Last Updated: August 26, 2024 10:22 am

Cloud storage can be a safe way to securely store research data. Here are the things you should keep in mind at UNC-Chapel Hill.

If you’re using cloud storage then the assumption is that you are also using a network connection. To meet minimum security standards this means either being connected to the campus network while on campus, or using the campus VPN when off campus [link to computer document with network and vpn guidelines].
The campus OneDrive that you access using your Onyen is rated for both Tier 2 and Tier 3 research data, provided you are using the default settings for your OneDrive files and folders.
Even though OneDrive is rated for those data types, sharing a file or folder with someone not listed on the IRB would still constitute an unsafe security practice and a violation of the ethics surrounding research data.
Your specific business unit might have ITS Security-vetted contracts with other providers for cloud storage. For instance, some departments are able to securely use Amazon Web Storage. If you want to know if your department has other options for securely storing research data, then you should speak with your business office.