Security sensitive research and encryption

When undertaking your research project, please consider whether the Guidance Policy for Security Sensitive Material applies to you.

Security sensitive materials are defined as:

• Materials that are covered by the Official Secrets Act 1989 and the Terrorism Act 2006
• Materials that could be considered ‘extremist’ according to the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015
• Defined as ‘vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
• Materials that require security clearance before accessing.

It should be noted that other material could be regarded as security sensitive, and, if in doubt, researchers should consult their relevant Research Ethics Officer. Work commissioned by the Ministry of Defence is handled separately under MOD regulations.

Staff and students conducting research involving security sensitive materials, and those affected indirectly by such research, are reminded that they should consider not only UK regulations but also the regulations from wherever in the world the research may be linked or carried out. Material could be in audio, visual and written formats and may include, but is not limited to; online, digital, electronic, telecommunication or hard copy sources. Full details can be found in the Guidance Policy for Security Sensitive Material.

It is important that you:

• Refer to the security sensitive material flowchart
• Meet information security requirements; to do this you will need to:
  1. Complete the mandatory information security awareness course
  2. Read and understand the guidance policy for security sensitive material
  3. Read and understand the IT acceptable use policy
  4. If appropriate complete the security sensitive material notification form.
• Determine the secure laptop required:
  1. Staff may have their Brookes laptop secured or borrow a research secured laptop from IT Services. Complete the following service request form via the online service desk:
     Service Catalogue > IT Services & EFM - Make a request > IT Services Requests > Hardware Ordering > Request to have added security to existing Brookes Laptop
  2. Research and PhD students must borrow a research secured laptop from IT Services. Complete the following service request form via the online service desk: Service Catalogue > IT Services & EFM - Make a request > IT Services Requests > Hardware Ordering > Request secured laptop for research.

NOTE: You will need to complete a secure laptop agreement form which should be attached to the service desk request. This is to provide IT services with information about the project and its schedule, as well as, the researcher understanding what needs to happen with the data once the project is completed.