Secure Data Enclave (SDE)

Secure Data Enclave (SDE)#

The Secure Data Enclave (SDE) provides a secure cloud environment with data storage and compute resources within Google Cloud (GC) for researchers who work with Northwestern Level 3 data such as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and data that require compliance with NIST SP 800-171.

Each SDE environment provides pre-configured monitoring and logging, private network access, predefined user roles and permissions, and other security features that support compliance while allowing researchers to access storage and virtual machines (VMs) needed to do their work.

Features#

Each Secure Data Enclave (SDE) environment includes resources to securely conduct your research in Google Cloud.

  • Compute: Run your analyses on Ubuntu virtual machines (VM) that are set up and ready to use. You can connect to them securely from your own computer and request more computing power if your project needs it.

  • Software: Each VM comes with commonly used research software like R, RStudio, Python, JupyterLab, and LibreOffice already installed. Additional software can be installed by request.

  • Storage: Use Google Cloud Buckets to store your data files, or make use of Google BigQuery to manage large datasets. Data can be imported into or exported from the SDE through approved processes that keep your work compliant and secure.

See SDE Structure for more details on the standard SDE environment configuration.

The SDE does not include:

  • High-performance computing capabilities. If your research requires high-performance computing (like Quest ), contact researchdata@northwestern.edu to discuss alternative options.

  • The ability to run or support Windows and MacOS based software.

See the SDE Service Overview for additional details on the requirements to use the SDE Service and to request access.

Cost#

The SDE operates in Google Cloud . Researchers using the SDE are responsible for the costs of using Google Cloud resources. We can help you estimate costs and provide guidance on using resources efficiently.

Getting Started#

Working with the SDE requires more than just setting up the technical environment. If you are thinking about working with data that would require use of the SDE, the best way to get started is to have a conversation with the RCDS research data management team.

  • If you know the details of your project, submitting a Consultation Request will provide us with the information needed to help you quickly.

  • If you’re unsure about your needs, you can email researchdata@northwestern.edu to discuss your research project.

The documentation here can help you learn what’s involved when working with data in an SDE environment. Start by learning about the structure of the SDE, and then consult the SDE User Guide for detailed instructions on how to complete common tasks within an SDE environment.