Protecting Your Research in a Digital Age: Data Security Strategies for Taiwan's Research Community

Abstract

In today's digital research environment, our research data, laboratory equipment, and IT infrastructure face increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats. This presentation is specifically designed to provide researchers with practical guidance on implementing security measures in daily research operations to protect research outcomes and intellectual property. The presentation is structured around three core objectives: understanding the why, learning best practices, and facilitating change. It will first address the risks related to data security in research environments, such as loss of intellectual property, dual-use risks, and unauthorized access to sensitive data. It will then demonstrate basic best practices in data security, including practical protective measures for storing and sharing data securely that participants can immediately implement in their laboratories and workflows to minimize risks to their data. Finally, the session will explore the roles and responsibilities of researchers and information technology staff in improving research data security, and learn strategies to foster a security-minded culture and advocate for ongoing improvements in data security at the institutional level.

The presentation requires no prior data security expertise and is designed for STEM researchers at all career stages, focusing on actionable strategies to protect research data, equipment, and collaborations. The session is based on "Protecting Your Research in a Digital Age," a workshop funded by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction and facilitated by Deloitte Consulting LLP. The presenter serves as a program partner, trained and authorized to disseminate the workshop content and materials. All materials are provided by the U.S. Department of State.

Note: Attendees who sign in will receive 3 hours of cybersecurity training credit for this year.