Data Security at IDEC

Protecting data privacy and security is a top priority at the International Data Evaluation Center (IDEC).

IDEC does not maintain any hard copies of data. All data are securely stored on IDEC’s website, which requires a unique username and password for access. User access is reviewed and renewed annually through a formal registration process.

Secure Data

IDEC’s data systems are hosted at the College of Education and Human Ecology’s data center, located within the State of Ohio Data Center. This facility is protected by multiple layers of physical security, including:

• Two-factor authentication (access card and PIN)

• Restricted access at all exterior and interior doors

• Servers that are housed within a locked cage that require two-factor authentication for entry

• Security personnel guard the front door

Electronic Safeguards

In addition to physical protection, IDEC employs strong electronic security measures. These include:

• Network firewalls to prevent unauthorized access

• 256-bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to protect data during transmission

• The Ohio State University Office of Information Technology conducts regular security reviews of IDEC’s servers and databases to ensure systems remain secure and compliant.

Staff Training

All IDEC employees complete required CITI training and Ohio State’s Institutional Data Policy training to ensure responsible data handling practices.