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Sensitive Data (SD) Services for research: user guide

This manual, in CSC Docs, introduces CSC's Sensitive Data (SD) services. To navigate the user guide, click on the topics on the left-hand side of the page in the navigation bar, or use the search functionality. Next, browse the section using the navigation bar on the right side of each page.

Note

Do you have any questions? Would you like to discuss a specific project? Don't hesitate to contact us at servicedesk@csc.fi (subject: Sensitive Data) or join the CSC Research User Support Coffee - Every Wednesday at 14:00. Our team is here to help, and we offer direct support.

Introduction

Refer to this section for an overview of SD services, including a technical and data protection terminology recap.

Accessing SD Services

With the MyCSC portal, set up a user account, and complete the following steps to access SD services for sensitive research data processing or register-based research under the Act on Secondary Use. Next, apply for billing units and storage space.

1. Sensitive research data processing

1.1 Store and share with SD Connect

With SD Connect, you can store encrypted sensitive data in CSC's cloud storage solution (Allas) or share it with your collaborators. Encrypted data upload is possible via a web browser (1<GB) or programmatically.

1.2 Analyse and compute with SD Desktop

Set up your virtual Desktop to analyse sensitive data securely from your web browser.

2. Register data processing under the Act on Secondary Use

2.1 SD Desktop for secondary use

Set up your virtual Desktop to analyse register data securely from your web browser. Access to this service requires a permit provided by the Findata authority.

2.2 Access data from a single public register with SD Apply

Projects that have a data permit directly from a single public register issued for SD Desktop need to confirm the data access in SD Apply.

2.3 Guidelines for data controllers/registers

The service will also be available for accessing data provided by single registers and requires a service agreement between the data controller and CSC.

3. Support materials

3.1 Services in the pilot phase: Publish biomedical data with the Finnish Federated EGA preliminary guide; Reuse with SD Apply preliminary guide.


Last update: May 10, 2023