Research IT data management

Where to store your data

These are general recommendations. When storing data, follow any data providers' and funders' requirements. They may have specific stipulations, for example, some require data only to be handled in the UK. 

University Filestores

Recommended when data is required to be held in the UK or onsite.

• All York members have a personal Filestore by default and you can request additional space if needed.
• You can also request shared spaces. 

Google Drive

Recommended for storing non-sensitive data, collaborative files and images for research.

• The University's general cloud storage option offers convenient access and a familiar interface.
• Storage is capped. For storing large amounts of data, Filestores might be more appropriate.

Data Safe Haven

Recommended for sensitive data.

• Our trusted research environment for projects with sensitive data.
• You can create storage that’s personal to just you, as well as shared storage.
• The service has ISO 27001 certification. 

Vault

Recommended for storing data you need to keep but are unlikely to access.

• Vault is a file archiving service and suitable for sensitive data.

For more information about your options, see Storing your research data.

Transferring data

You might need to transfer data from one location to another. When using Viking, there are specific steps you need to follow.

• How to copy data to and from Viking and Google Drive.
• How to copy data to and from Viking and another computer.

• The University's guidance for managing and sharing your research data.
• For help classifying whether your data is confidential, see guidance on using Information Classification.