Protecting confidentiality in a data enclave

Abstract

The National Center for Health Statistics has developed a secure infrastructure, known as the Research Data Center (RDC), to provide researchers access to sensitive data that carry a statistical disclosure risk. The RDC has developed procedures, policies, and products that allow for the use of these data while maintaining the confidentiality of survey respondents and research subjects. Between the ever-growing need to restrict variables to maintain confidentiality and the expanded interest in studies that add context and policy based on geography, the amount of researchers requesting access to restricted data has almost doubled in the past year. To meet these additional needs, the RDC has expanded onsite services, developed a remote access system that continues to evolve in this ever-changing information technology environment, and streamlined its processes to increase efficiency.