DoD Safe is a secure file-transfer system specifically tailored for Department of Defense employees. It enables them to transfer large files that cannot be sent via email and provides package-level encryption that safeguards both its travels and resting place.
Use of this website requires a Common Access Card (CAC). This security feature helps prevent unapproved users from viewing sensitive data that could compromise your security.
Secure file transfer
DOD SAFE is a secure file transfer service provided to Department of Defense employees and third-party contractors of all branches to send files too large for email. DOD SAFE uses package-level encryption to safeguard uploaded files against unintended access and allows users to select a passphrase for added protection against hackers accessing sensitive information. In addition, DOD SAFE also serves as a 24/7 helpline for survivors of sexual assault or trauma and its trained staff connect them with local resources and support services as well as providing one-on-one assistance or education about prevention measures.
DOD SAFE requires users to have a Common Access Card (CAC), issued by the Department of Defense. A CAC is a small chip with up to 144K of data that functions as user authentication device and must only be issued to DoD employees; unfortunately this process can be time consuming; additionally many employees who receive CACs may leave their position unexpectedly, further compounding issues for organizations utilizing DOD SAFE.
The new DOD SAFE site boasts several improvements over its predecessor, AMRDEC SAFE. Notably, files can now be stored up to seven days – significantly increasing from two days previously – while also boasting an easier user interface and quicker download times. Furthermore, DOD SAFE also provides optional package level encryption designed to protect data against unwarranted access both during transit and at rest.
To use DOD SAFE, first log into the website using your CAC or PKI certificate and select your package before providing recipient email addresses and clicking “Send Package.” Your recipient will then receive an email with a link to open and view files contained within their package as well as setting a passphrase if they choose.
Secure helpline
DoD Safe provides military members with a safe way to transfer files – such as documents and videos – securely between PCs and mobile devices, using NIPRNet for privacy protection, as well as monitoring your computer for any unauthorized activity and encrypting files to protect against hacking. This service is free for active duty service members as well as retired service members alike and available 24/7; it provides no guarantees as to when files will become accessible again.
DoD safe offers more than file transfers; its services for victims of sexual assault include one-on-one support, peer-to-peer support, access to information resources and self-care exercises to aid recovery. It serves as the Department of Defense’s single hotline for members affected by sexual assault; all support provided remains completely anonymous.
Service members, their dependents 18 years or older and DoD civilian employees stationed OCONUS are eligible for this service, as are military families of those killed during operational or training accidents as well as survivors of sexual assault who are not currently part of the military.
Safe Helpline provides survivors with crisis intervention support and links them with available military and civilian resources in their area. Accessible both by phone and online chat system, the service offers trained staff who listen attentively to survivor’s needs and concerns before connecting them with on-base sexual assault response coordinators, law enforcement departments or legal assistance offices.
For those unable to speak directly with a counselor, Safe Helpline offers self-guided educational programs. This includes videos which address trauma effects and offer help when helping a friend or loved one through trauma events. These videos are accessible via its website or mobile app.
DoD SAFE was created to make file sharing between service members and their families easy. Compatible with iOS and Android devices, the DoD SAFE app can be used from any internet-enabled device and includes several safety and security features that ensure safe usage, such as password-protected features and an archive logbook that stores important documents; furthermore it can also be used for sending confidential messages.
Easy to use
Dod Safe is an online file transfer service offered by the Department of Defense that allows users to share files too large for email. Furthermore, package-level encryption protects data during transit while files uploaded are kept for seven days before being automatically deleted from Dod Safe’s servers.
Dod safe users can upload up to 25 files at one time and can choose to encrypt or not encrypt these files, as well as use a passphrase for security. Once their files are ready to share, Dod safe will send an email containing a link for easy download of their documents from Dod Safe onto their computers.
Dod safe offers users who share sensitive files the option of adding a passphrase protection that can prevent unapproved users from accessing their data. In addition, Dod safe allows them to track activity related to shared files – an invaluable feature if the files are essential.
The system is straightforward and needs no special software; however, authentication requires a CAC card – which may prove inconvenient for third-party contractors without such cards. Another drawback of this method is that delivery times cannot be guaranteed, making it unsuitable for time-sensitive documents.
DOD SAFE is an innovative new system that is replacing AMRDEC as the file-sharing service provider for military members and civilian personnel alike. It enables military members to easily share large files while also supporting package-level encryption for added protection and offers a convenient method for exchanging information with non-military personnel; additionally it can even transfer unclassified files between DoD employees and their families.
Karl Kurz, chief engineer for DoD IT’s enterprisewide services development division and creator of AMRDEC software developed by Army Research Laboratory will find the new system more user-friendly than its predecessor AMRDEC system. Furthermore, this open-source software will not permit users to transfer files between classified domains.
Limitations
While AMRDEC SAFE was an effective file transfer hub, it did have several drawbacks. Security features were inadequate leading to delays for government employees and military commands alike. To address these concerns, the Defense Department developed a new website with increased capacity and better security which allows users to access files from any device including phones and tablets.
The new DOD SAFE site offers many improvements over its predecessor, such as supporting file transfers up to 8 GB and multiple downloads of up to 25 files at once, with package-level encryption to protect contents of transferred data and offering seven day file transfer limits – an invaluable improvement over previous iterations of DOD SAFE.
DOD SAFE now also enables user-to-user transfers enterprise-wide, which may not be suitable for users who require sharing sensitive information with other departments and organizations due to authentication requirements such as Common Access Cards; additionally, multiple overwrites required by DOD SAFE may cause environmental concerns.
Additionally, DOD SAFE can be costly for companies using it. Its security requirements require employees to be sponsored by an official from the Department of Defense – something which may present major difficulties for some organizations and contractors with large staffs.