Service Desk
SD Connect
Sensitive Data (SD) Connect
A simple user interface for storing and sharing sensitive data.
Service description
Sensitive Data (SD) Connect is a service for collecting and storing sensitive research data during the active phase of a research project. The service allows you to store sensitive research data in the CSC's cloud storage solution Allas. Data is stored at CSC's facilities in Finland. SD Connect provides automated encryption, decryption and key management via web browser (for files up to 100 GB) or command line tools. The encryption is done with a strong public-key encryption algorithm and CSC project specific encryption keys. Data in SD Connect can be analysed in the secure virtual computing environment, SD Desktop. SD Connect can serve as a workspace for collaborative research projects, facilitating data collection and sharing. SD Connect, as is, is not suited nor accredited for the secondary use of health and social data, but a restricted version of the SD Desktop service is provided for this purpose.
Technical information
SD Connect user interface is accessible via the public internet with Chrome or Firefox (Private mode not supported), no technical skills needed. Provides automated encryption and key management. Files up to 100 GB can be uploaded via a web browser, larger files programmatically via SD-lock/unlock tool. Default space 10 TB, more on request. Files can be stored, shared for transfer or collaboration, or set as read-only for analysis via SD Desktop. Once uploaded, they cannot be directly edited.
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 access
You can decide who can access or download data, and manage data sharing and export from isolated environments.
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, optionally to SD Desktop for data analysis. Note: all project members can access, upload, and download files via SD Connect. To enable read-only access for data analysis, detailed instructions can be provided upon request. Data is deleted 90 days after project closure. The service is free for academic use but consumes billing units.
Free academic use default quota for a new project is 10 TB. Free quota can be extended with application. 1 TB consumes 24 Billing Units (BU) in a day and 8760 BU in a year.
