What security measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access to the NIH GWAS repository?
Datasets are stored in the NIH GWAS data repository under strict security provisions, including multiple firewalls, separate servers, and data encryption protocols. Investigators and their sponsoring institutions seeking access to data in the NIH GWAS data repository must submit a data access request that specifies both the data to which access is sought and the planned research use, and agree to the terms of access set forth in the Data Use Certification (DUC). Investigators are approved by a Data Access Committee (DAC) for access to specific datasets for a specific use(s). Data can only be accessed through the NIH login process. In addition, the DUCs include a provision that approved users and their institutions agree to store the requested data securely and to not share the requested data with third parties.
