In the Security Knowledge Base, the UCL Information Security team has put together useful advice to help you assess whether using cloud services is safe. The guide enable to consider three important questions:

1. Is the cloud service secure enough for this type of information?
2. Is it compliant – and will it remain compliant – with relevant legislation, contractual or regulatory requirements?
3. Are the other risks that arise from using this service acceptable?

The guide also provides key information on personal data protection, Intellectual Property Right and risk assessment.

If you need an alternative to commercial services you can use the in-house UCL Drop Box.

Who owns the Intellectual Property Rights in my Data?

The answer to this question can be complex. In so far as your data is protected by copyright or other Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), the ownership is likely to be governed by the terms of any collaboration or funder agreements which are in place. Those agreements may also determine how the data can be made available for re-use. In the absence of any such terms, copyright would rest with you and your fellow researchers as the “authors”. The Student IPR Policy or Staff IPR Policy should be consulted for guidance on particular issues. (more…)