Secure Computing
Currently, CARC systems do not support the use or storage of sensitive data. If your research work includes sensitive data, including but not limited to HIPAA-, FERPA-, or CUI-regulated data, please contact us at carc-support@usc.edu before using our systems. For more information on the different types of sensitive data, see the USC IT Services Data Security page.
Working with sensitive data that is governed by compliance regulations comes with additional requirements and restrictions that must be taken into consideration. The Center for Advanced Research Computing plans to deploy a Secure Research Computing Environment (SRCE) in the future. The SRCE is designed for researchers who need to meet various compliance standards required to use highly sensitive data. The SRCE provides custom-sized servers (Windows, Linux, and/or containerized applications as a service) as well as secure data transfer methods for researchers.
The SRCE is configured with the appropriate security controls and minimizes the risk of exposing high-risk data. The SRCE makes it easier for researchers to implement necessary safeguards for research that is subject to regulatory or compliance requirements, including but not limited to, HIPAA, FERPA, CUI, and other grant-specific regulations.
The user guides for the SRCE will be continuously updated here as the system is deployed. In the meantime, researchers managing sensitive data will find the following user guide with information on data sensitivity, data classification, and research data management useful.
0.0.1 Secure Computing Compliance Overview
The information and data that is used by and obtained as a result of research work at USC can be subject to special restrictions, regulations, and limitations. It is very important to familiarize yourself with these compliance rules.