1. Item 5.6 of the Agenda
Remote access to confidential data for scientific purpose
Jean-Marc Museux/ Aleksandra Bujnowska - Unit B2 Methodology and research
21 & 22 October 2009

2. Objectives
To inform ITDG about Eurostat and ESS projects related to remote access to confidential data
To exchange experiences and (tentatively) to issue recommendations for local infrastructure and networking aspects
21 & 22 October 2009
IT Directors Group

3. Background
ESS commitment to value investment made for statistical data collection through easing/ improving access to confidential (micro) data for scientific purposes
Direct Remote access to confidential data is the preferred solution for researchers to carry out scientific studies and policy evaluation
21 & 22 October 2009
IT Directors Group

4. Background Current mode of access (Regulation 831/2002) :
Anonymised micro data sets released on CD-ROM (Scientific Use Files) under contract with scientific institution for identified research project
Access to confidential data in Eurostat premises (Safe Centre) marginally (specific users like ECB and data collections: SES, CIS
Remote access to confidential databases over internet secured connection is envisaged in many other projects coping with the exchange of confidential data between MS and Eurostat (EGR projects, data validation in transport statistics...)
21 & 22 October 2009
IT Directors Group

5. Remote access to confidential data for scientific purpose
Discussed in ESS and international fora for several years (Workshop and UNECE work session, Statistical Confidentiality Committee – Working Group on Statistical Confidentiality, Eurostat Expert Groups, OECD-Eurostat ...)
Successful experience in NL, SE, NO, (UK) …
Solution to be promoted at ESS level in parallel with other modes of access (remote execution, Scientific Use Files, Safe centre)
21 & 22 October 2009
IT Directors Group

6. Remote access to confidential data for scientific purpose
Eurostat Management Board has recently supported remote access as an alternative mode for the release of EU confidential data pending feasibility studies and cost analysis
Requirement for the implementation of remote access
Legal aspect
Control / security aspects (authentication, contract ...)
Methodological aspects (data preparation, output checking)
Technical Infrastructure (secured servers, connection, software)
21 & 22 October 2009
IT Directors Group

7. First step (2010) IT infrastructure in Eurostat (tentative)
Separated subnet (INTSECENV)
Sharing firewall/router system
Dedicated Authentication server
Dedicated data server
Dedicated Terminal Server
VPN connection with token
Softwares are available on the server
21 & 22 October 2009
IT Directors Group

8. Next steps (tentative)
Develop and test remote access protocol
Access from NSIs
Euro Group Register (2010) – exchange of confidential data
Access from NSIs safe centre – access for scientific purpose
ESSnet on decentralised access to EU confidential dat
feasibility study expected by March 2010
pilot on selected scenario in 2011
21 & 22 October 2009
IT Directors Group

9. Next steps (tentative)
Direct access for scientific purpose
Data archive network portal “connected” to (a network of) NSIs/Eurostat servers (project to be proposed under FP7 infrastructure for research line )
Eurostat direct remote access solution (?)
Eurostat remote execution adhoc solution (from 2010 if need be)
21 & 22 October 2009
IT Directors Group