General Data Security

Last Updated: August 27, 2024 4:07 pm

OASIS IRB Support

This section is meant to cover a range of topics germane to nearly all use cases.

Updated Operating System

One of the easiest things you can do to keep your computer secure is to regularly update it. If keeping sensitive data on your computer you should make it a habit to check for updates on a weekly basis, and then update and apply as updates come out. Ordinarily you would be okay to just update when the computer indicates you have updates, but when handling sensitive data on your computer it is better to make sure that your computer is updated.

Keep in mind that some updates are sequential, meaning a second update won’t appear until after a first has been applied. When manually checking for updates, the best method is to keep checking until the computer reports that there are no more updates to be applied.

Secure Passwords

• Your computer should use a secure password. If you log in to AD (using your Onyen credentials) then this will meet the requirements.
• If you log into a local account on the computer, then your computer password should be different than your Onyen password.
• Each device or system you log into that are not Onyen-authenticated should use a different, secure password.

Article – Passwords, Pass-phrases, an… (unc.edu)

Data Sanitizing

Any device that handles sensitive research data should be sanitized (a more secure way of deleting data) before re-use or re-purposing. Because data sanitizing can be destructive to all data on a computer or device it is recommended you create a full backup of your computer (minus research data) before you begin data collection. You can speak with your departmental IT support for help and advice on the best options for doing this.