There are many questions that you may have about DOD SAFE. These include: how are my files secured and encrypted? How do I transfer large files? What may file formats be transferred through DOD SAFE? And what if my files are bigger than the maximum size allowed? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
How are my files secured on DOD SAFE?
DoD SAFE is a service designed to transfer files securely from one computer to another. Its features include support for up to eight gigabytes per transfer, multiple downloads, and the ability to send up to 25 files at a time. The service deletes files automatically seven days after they are uploaded. Anyone within the government can use DOD SAFE to send files. Still, users outside the government may only upload files in response to a government request. The service is also useful for sending packages to military or government email addresses.
The service was developed in response to a directive from the DoD CIO to improve the security and efficiency of file transfers. It will replace the Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center Safe Access File Exchange, or AMRDEC SAFE. Although the former system is still in use, it will be retired shortly. Using the new system will allow users to send and receive larger files. It will eliminate any potential security risks associated with AMRDEC.
How are my files encrypted on DOD SAFE?
When you use DOD SAFE, your files are encrypted at a package level. This means that they’re protected both at your workstation and during transit. This feature allows for enhanced data protection, said Jeanelle Holder, an electronics engineer with DISA’s emerging technologies division.
While DoD SAFE is a vast improvement over AMRDEC, third-party contractors have uncovered several service limitations. As a result, using the platform has become time-consuming and difficult.
Another downside to using DoD SAFE is the limited number of files you can transfer. The service only allows you to share 25 files at a time. This will greatly increase the time it takes to transfer a large file. If you’re trying to share many files with one person, it might be best to use another platform.
What file formats may be transferred through SAFE?
DOD SAFE is a network that allows you to transfer files through a secure connection. The system is available to military personnel and civilians who need to share information, but it has a limit of eight gigabytes. If you need to transfer a larger file, the site recommends compressing it before sending it.
The system can transfer CUI, PII, and PHI files. However, you must ensure that your files are encrypted before sending them. DoD SAFE cannot guarantee delivery times, and you cannot use it to transfer malicious files. There are alternatives to this platform.
FTP Today is an excellent alternative if you are trying to transfer a large file with multiple recipients. DoD SAFE allows up to 25 files to be uploaded at a time, which can be time-consuming.
What if my files exceed the maximum size?
If your files exceed the maximum size, Windows will display an error message. Files larger than this limit will not be able to be saved or copied. You may see this error message if you save your files locally, copy them to an external storage device, or upload them to SharePoint. It’s a common problem, and a simple solution is to use free tools to compress your files.
You can try changing the file size limit by going to the Registry Editor and editing the DWORD value. Choose Decimal in the Value data box and change the value of the DWORD to a larger number. The default value is 50000000 bytes. If you still receive this error, exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Can I download my files multiple times?
Duplicate files are a common problem, and one of the main causes is downloading files twice. This often happens when downloading files from social media, websites, or email attachments. Over time, this can add up to a lot of files. This is why it’s important to be careful when downloading files.
How long will I have access to my files?
If you are worried about losing your files while traveling, you can use DOD SAFE to protect your data. The service allows up to 25 files to be stored at once and offers seven days of access to files. However, there are some limitations to the service. For example, the service does not allow classified files to be transferred.
The site only provides access for 7 days, so it’s important to pick up your files quickly. Otherwise, they will be lost forever. The timeframe varies based on the file size and the customer’s connection speed. If you need to transfer a large number of files in a short period, DOD SAFE may not be the right option for you.
DoD SAFE was originally set up by the Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center to share large files with one another. The service allowed users to exchange up to two gigabytes of files. It’s now operated by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).