Service Desk
SD Desktop
Sensitive Data Desktop
Service for analysis of sensitive research data in a secure cloud computing environment
Service description
The Sensitive Data (SD) Desktop is a specialized service, designed for the analysis of sensitive research data. It offers a secure, isolated, and private cloud computing environment, accessible via a web-based user interface. All data intended for processing must be stored in the SD Connect. The data processing is carried out within a dedicated infrastructure located in Finland. SD Desktop provides virtual Linux machines, with the ability to disconnect and reconnect at a later time. Essential tools, such as LibreOffice, Python, and R, are readily available. For supplementary tools, users can package them as containers and integrate them into the system. A restricted version of SD Desktop is permitted for use in processing register data under the Secondary Use Act.
Technical information
SD Desktop user interface is accessible via the public internet with Chrome or Firefox, no technical skills needed. Four prebuilt Linux environments are available to support tasks from statistics to machine learning. Only open-source tools and encrypted data are supported. A dedicated 200 GB volume can be added, more on request. Data access is limited to project members; each project can create up to six virtual desktops. Copy-paste function and results export are limited for security reasons.
Protection level
Restricted and controlled access
You can decide who can access or download data, and manage data sharing and export from isolated environments.
Restricted and controlled use
Access to service is managed by data controller or by CSC acting on their behalf, and provided only to registered users based on data access permit.
Read more about protection levels
How to obtain the service
Users must create a CSC account and project via MyCSC portal. For research data analysis, an academic-type CSC project is needed, with access to SD Connect and SD Desktop. Register data analysis requires the submission of a valid permit and a Findata-type CSC project. This restricts access to SD Desktop only, customization, file import. Results export is subject to Findata scrutiny. Data is deleted 90 days after project closure.
The service is free for academic use but consumes Cloud Billing Units.
