What is the role of data security in human subjects research?

Data security plays a crucial role in human subjects research primarily by safeguarding participants' information from unauthorized access. This is essential to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of research participants, which is a fundamental ethical obligation in conducting research. Protecting participants' data helps build trust between researchers and participants, encourages participation, and complies with legal and regulatory requirements such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Common Rule. By implementing robust data security measures, researchers can ensure that sensitive information is only accessible to authorized personnel and is protected from breaches, thus minimizing risks to individuals involved in the research. This focus on protecting participants directly supports ethical research practices and promotes a safer research environment.