Securing Research Data

• Encrypt data. Ensure that all your computing devices are encrypted and have operating anti-virus software. Please contact the Help Desk @ helpdesk@umassmed.edu or (508) 856-8643 for assistance.
• Limit access to only those that require it and have been identified within an approved IRB protocol.
• Conduct periodic access reviews. It is important that regular reviews of access are conducted and individuals no longer requiring access to the data are promptly removed.
• Follow Minimum Use guidelines. Only allow access to the minimum datasets required to just those that need it.
• Do not e-mail PHI or PII without encryption.
• Ensure you have a strong password and change it regularly. Passwords must contain 8 characters and include at least three of the following:
  • lower-case, upper-case, numerical or special characters.

For additional Information Security information please visit the UMMS Information Security web site.