Carolina Enclave for Secure Research (CESR)
The Carolina Enclave for Secure Research (CESR) is a secure research computing and storage enclave that University of South Carolina (USC) researchers utilize to store and analyze sensitive data from different sources such as government agencies and private industry partners. The solution is a segmented, controlled, secure computing environment designed to serve USCs research mission while fulfilling its legal and contractual obligations to protect the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of research data involving Controlled unclassified Information (CUI), NIST SP 800-171, DFARS 252.204-7012, or International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
The core of the CESR zero-trust environment is built upon Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud (GCC) High and Zscaler Cloud Security for Government. Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud (GCC) High is a cloud platform provided by Microsoft for organizations controlling the flow of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and export-controlled data in support of the Department of Defense. CESR protected data and collaborative tools are stored within Microsoft 365 GCC High cloud services.
Transmission of CUI outside of the Enclave to external users is provided via CESR LiquidFiles secure file transfer service or via encrypted email using the CESR Microsoft 365 GCC High Exchange service. Methods of transferring data to sponsors are specified in the project’s Technology Control Plan.
Technology Control Plan and CESR Resources
- TCP/CESR Onboarding Procedures
- TSP/CESR Onboarding Quick Sheet
- CESR FAQs
- CESR Media Log
- CESR Visitor Log
CSER and Optional Features Price Lists
Onboarding support - $300 (one-time fee)
GCC High Laptop - $2000 (one-time fee)
GCC High Purchase Package - $250/month - includes the following:
- GCC High YubiKey
- GCC High Microsoft License
- GCC High Zscaler License
- Nimbus Logic License
Monthly CEC Maintenance support - $180/month
GCC High MS Project - $48/month
GCC High Visio License - $25/month
Secure Teams Integrated Conference Bridge - $120/year (this cost does not charge per user and instead charges per project)