Protect Data and PII

Overview of Data Protection and Confidentiality in Research:

• Importance of Data Security: Protecting privacy in research is crucial, especially with the rise of data breaches. Confidentiality safeguards are essential in studies involving human subjects.

• Principal Investigator’s Role: The Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for setting up data protection measures, including limiting access to sensitive data and securing paper and electronic records.

• Physical Security for Documents: Hard copies of research materials should be stored in secure, locked locations with access restricted to authorized personnel only.

• Electronic Data Protection:

• Access Control: Limit electronic data access to essential team members; continually reassess access needs.

• Password Security: Use strong, frequently updated passwords to protect access points.

• Network Security: Prevent wireless access to data; use updated antivirus software and strong firewall protection for cloud-based systems.

• Intrusion Detection: Employ software to detect unauthorized access, and use encryption and watermarking for data tracking.

• Data Backup and Disposal: Regularly back up data both onsite and offsite; ensure proper disposal of data when no longer needed.

• Third-Party Data Protection: Using reliable third-party data protection services can add an additional layer of security to safeguard sensitive information effectively.