Protecting data from being accessed by or disclosed to unauthorized individuals or entities is particularly important for sensitive and non-public data. While your research results may be made public through publication or other data sharing arrangements, confidentiality is a key consideration during active research. Implementing confidentiality measures protects your process and intellectual property and allows you to follow compliance requirements outlined by research partners and/or the research ethics board.

An element of broader scientific, research and academic integrity, protecting data from unauthorized alteration or destruction maintains trust and confidence in research, whether within the data itself or in the institutions through which it is produced. The integrity of your research data is important, whether during active research, publication or deposit. Alterations or destruction of research data can result in data and time loss and reputational harm.

Ensuring that data is accessible and usable by authorized users when needed is essential. Whether collaborating with colleagues across the tri-campus University or across the world, or perhaps just working remotely, not being able to access your data when needed may reduce productivity and impact sponsor deadlines.