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 can be used with most web browsers. The user must have a CSC user ID with two-factor authentication enabled. Users must create separate CSC project and request service access, with limitations including no access to other CSC services, no customization of SD Desktop, and no transfer of user files or data. Data export requires a separate request, verified by the data permit authority (Findata), based on regulatory guidelines.
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
The user registers a CSC user account, creates a CSC project and applies for service access to SD Connect and SD Desktop via the MyCSC portal. In order to analyse register data in SD Desktop in accordance with the Secondary Use Act, the user must provide an authorisation from the Findata or a public register by contacting our Service desk.
Free academic use. For more information on billing units consumption and computing options available in Docs CSC in the Sensitive Data section.