There are servers located on campus which allow you to use the space to store your data, these servers are reliable and safe and are regularly backed up minimising data loss. You are able to access this storage on campus machines and laptops and also remotely through the appropriate systems. There is a moderate amount of space for storage; however it is encouraged that you backup your data more ways than one.
Box is an online collaborative cloud storage device which is the recommended solution for managing and storing your data during the research process. All Aston staff can access box at http://aston.box.com/login using their usual university login credentials. Box allows you to securely share, collaborate and store your research data from any device with internet access including tablets and smartphones.
Key benefits of using Box
For further information, please contact IT services.
Personal computers and laptops may be used for storage and backup but only on a temporary basis. Master copies should always be stored in a more secure environment. Preferably the H:/ drive could be used as well as requesting storage space from the servers on campus.
Encrypted memory sticks can be ordered from and configured by Digital Services.
For more information, please see IT's Information Security Policy, Section 7 - Information Handling.
Data should be assigned a security classification, following IT's Security Policy:
Public information can be stored on premise via Aston's local data servers, Aston's Box Cloud storage, on websites, on hard drives or portable drives. Open information can be stored on premise via Aston's local data servers and Aston's Box Cloud storage.
Confidential and strictly confidential information can be stored on premise via Aston's local data servers, Aston's Box Cloud storage, on approved encrypted drives, on encrypted university provided computing devices, or a university portal with appropriate authentication set up. Confidential information must be encrypted and have a secure password.
Secret information must be stored on premise via Aston's local data servers, on approved encrypted memory sticks, or on encrypted university provided computing devices. Secret information must be encrypted and have a secure password, and access must be removed as soon as it is no longer required.
It is recommended that all researchers follow the 3-2-1 backup rule.
Ensure that your data are protected with encryption, strong passwords and as limited access as appropriate. Consult IT's security policy to confirm you are selecting the appropriate storage locations for your data.
Aston recommends that datasets should be retained for a period which follows best practice in the discipline or in line with funder requirements. In the absence of these specifications, Aston recommends the retention of data by default for a minimum of 10 years (Aston Open Research Data Policy, 2019).
Through Aston Data Explorer, all data is archived through Arkivum. Data is stored, managed and maintained in Tier-3 data centres based in the UK. Arkivum has a ISO 27001 data security certification, ensuring that your data is secure.