NICE-1 is NTNU's file storage area when you need shielding of data. It has the same functionality as NTNU's shared network directory, but requires using VPN with two factor authentication. NICE-1 is available to both students and employees at NTNU.

NICE-1 is a result of the first development stage of the service, and is primarily suitable for storing data. For analysis and processing, you will need to combine it with other solutions to ensure safety. NICE-2 is currently in its pilot phase and we are seeking participants for autumn 2025.

Norsk versjon - NICE-1

Who should use this service?

NICE-1 is designed as a storage area that provides shielding of your data. NICE-1 is not an isolated area for processing data (e.g. analysis and editing). Therefore, make sure that your software of use for data processing doesn’t save local copies of the data or other forms of data flow. NICE-1 is classified to handle data that needs a high level of security. See the Data storage guide for updated information, or read more about the Classification of Information Assets.

Contact the central support service Research Data @NTNU if you need assistance with classification of your data, as well as choosing which service is appropriate for your needs.

Important to know about completion and deletion of data

When a project in NICE-1 passes its stated expiration date, access will be closed and all data marked for deletion after six months. As the project area owner or member, you will receive an e-mail notification and have the option to extend the expiration date.

All projects in NICE-1 must have at least one member affiliated with NTNU. If the only NTNU-affiliated member leaves NTNU, the project’s stored data will be deleted after three months. If you are leaving NTNU and want someone else to take over your research data, make sure they are added to the project before you leave.

If you need to store data from health research after the project is completed, see more information about the service REK archiving.

Examples of usage

1. Question: I’ve taken interviews and need a safe place to store the audio files. Can I use NICE-1?
   Answer: Yes.
2. Question: I’m a project leader for a group with employees and students at NTNU. Can we use NICE-1 for cooperation?
   Answer: Yes. Please contact Orakel to share the access.
3. Question: I want to save pictures and pseudonymized personal data. Can I use NICE-1?
   Answer: Yes. Also, remember to clarify the project with NSD if needed. Read more about Collection of personal data for research projects.

How to order NICE-1

Submit a request at http://www.nice.ntnu.no/. You will need to specify what kind of data you want to store, the expected data size on the area, the reference number for approval (NSD, REK etc.) and the length of the project. The information reported will be used for internal control, and can be edited in the future. For further details, see NICE-1 - request workspace.

What does VPN with two-factor login mean?

NICE-1 uses a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your file area. VPN is a software that ensures that the data traffic between your computer and NTNU's systems is encrypted so that it cannot be monitored or read by others. We use a dedicated VPN site (vpn.nice.ntnu.no) that must be connected before you can access your file area. When you sign in, you will be asked to authenticate using your NTNU username and password, and approve your own login using your mobile phone (two-factor login). In order for you to approve your own login, you must have a separate app installed on your mobile (DUO). For further details, see NICE-1 - request workspace.

How to use NICE-1

First, you will need to submit a request and be granted a storage area. To access the area, you then have to log in using the VPN-client with your NTNU username and password in addition to a code from the mobile app. See NICE-1 - connect to workspace for user guidance.

For more information about the VPN-client and how to install it, see Install VPN.

FAQ

1. Is NICE-1 ROS-analyzed?
   Yes. NICE-1 is evaluated by risk and vulnerability. Contact NTNU Hjelp if you need extended information on the ROS-analysis.
2. What should I write about NICE-1 in my data management plan?
   Depending on the project, you might be need a data management plan (DMP). Read more about Data management plans or contact Research Data @NTNU for support.
3. Can students use NICE-1?
   Yes. Students who handle confidential information as part of their student projects should consider using NICE-1 for storage. If you are unsure if this is appropriate for your project, please contact your advisor and/orResearch Data @NTNU for support.
4. Is there any cost when using NICE-1?
   Yes and no. It’s free to use NICE-1 with a 10 GB storage frame. If you need more storage space, we have to manually process your request for extra space, which could lead to increased charges at NTNU. Funding could be required.
5. Are there any size restrictions on my data files?
   NICE-1 is designed to manage a lot of different file areas with data of smaller size (less than 10 GB). Should you require more space, you can request to expand the file area. Notify the expected volume of data when you fill out the request for a storage area, or contact Orakel to expand the given area of storage. See question 3 regarding cost.
6. Can I use NICE-1 as a file archive?
   No. The typical use of NICE-1 is to save data in the active phase of a project. If you need to archive or save data long-term, contact Research Data @NTNU.
7. External users need access to my data. Can they get access to NICE-1?
   No. Only NTNU users get access to NICE-1. If external users need access, they will need to create a user account (in Norwegian).
8. Can I get access to NICE-1 without using a mobile phone?
   No. NICE-1 requires the use of the app DUO on your mobile.
9. I do not have a work phone. Can I/do I have to use my private phone?
   Yes. The first version of NICE-1 requires the use of the app DUO on your mobile phone. Employees refusing to use private devices, can ask their leader if there is an official need to use NICE-1, or if other storage services could be sufficient. As a student, use your private phone.

More information

• NICE-1 - request workspace
• NICE-1 - connect to workspace
• Data storage guide

Contact

Orakel Support Services can help if you have questions or if you encounter difficulties.