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Storing data in the cloud initially means dissolving physical or virtual boundaries of local data storage devices such as USB sticks, internal HD or file servers entrenched behind firewalls in the local area network. The cloud enables the constant availability of data – regardless of location or device. But clarity is rare – or do you know where Dropbox, iCloud or Google Drive stores your data and what their user agreements say about data protection? It is not advisable to have your head in the clouds, especially when sensitive data is involved.

Scientists often generate personal, sensitive data from experiments, surveys or interviews. Depending on the national jurisdiction, the storage location is decisive as to how, to what extent and whether data protection laws are implemented at all. In principle, highly sensitive data do not belong in the cloud. Where the risk is justifiable, service providers close to universities are recommended instead of international private companies. With SWITCHdrive, SWITCH as an integral part of the Swiss university landscape offers a suitable solution of up to 50 GB per user for temporary data storage and data exchange. Data can be password-protected and shared via a private link so that people without a SWITCHdrive login can also be reached. In addition, a sync client allows cloud integration into the local file browser on the laptop, so that data can be easily dragged and dropped into the cloud. But beware, SWITCHDrive does not back up your data.

More informationen can be found at: https://www.switch.ch/drive

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Picture Credits: Pete Linforth on Pixabay