Trusted Data Format
Open TDF icon | |
Filename extension |
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Developed by | ODNI |
Latest release |
3.0 (Sept 6, 2013) |
Extended from | XML |
Website | ODNI TDF Specification |
The Trusted Data Format (TDF) is an XML based file format used by the United States Intelligence Community for the purposes of enabling file level tagging and security features.[1] These features include assertion of data properties or tags, cryptographic binding and data encryption. The TDF is open source and requires no use of proprietary or patented technology and is thus free for anyone to use.
Overview
The TDF Specification is based on a Trusted Data Object (TDO) which can be grouped together into a Trusted Data Collection (TDC).[2] Each TDO consists of a data payload which can be associated with an unlimited number of metadata objects. The TDO supports the cryptographic binding of the metadata objects to the payload data object.[2] In addition, both data and metadata objects can be associated with a block of encryption information which is used by any TDF consumer to decrypt the associated data or metadata if it had been encrypted.[2] A TDC allows for additional metadata objects to apply to a set of TDOs.
Implementations
Virtru offers end-to-end email encryption service based on the TDF specification.[3]
References
External links
- US Office of the Director of National Intelligence website on the TDF Specification
- Wood, Mollie, Easier Ways to Protect Email From Unwanted Prying Eyes, New York Times, July 16, 2014 video and article