How Defense secures production with automated file encryption

From protecting IP secrets to securing controlled unclassified information (CUI), Defense contractors can’t take any chances with digital security. 

File encryption is the default choice for Defense companies, but taking the time to encrypt/decrypt all sensitive files in the production chain adversely impacts productivity and competitiveness. Until now. 

Here’s how Secude automates encryption for digital files used in Defense production chains, including CAD, PDF and MS Office files.  

The Defense dilemma: file security vs workflow efficiency

The Defense production chain faces continuous external and internal threats - be it direct cyberattacks on Defense projects, rogue employees stealing confidential data or espionage-related breaches (which accounted for 17% of cyber breaches in 2025, up from 3% in 2024).

With national security and shareholder interests to protect, it’s no surprise that file encryption is the go-to file protection strategy for Defense companies. But this reliance has two core issues. 

1. CAD files are not covered. Many Defense companies rely on Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools like Microsoft Purview to encrypt their files, but DLP doesn't cover CAD files, which are essential in Defense for digital designs, 3D models and proprietary processes.
   
2. Encryption can slow down production. Applying encryption and custom permissions to sensitive data is not only time-consuming, but the need to decrypt individual files also hampers internal production for engineers and external collaboration with suppliers. 

But with Secude’s HaloSHARE, you can automate custom encryption for CAD files, PDFs and MS Office files in bulk. 

HaloSHARE: Secude’s CAD file security and governance solution for Defense

Secude’s HaloSHARE simplifies file management and security in Defense production chains by extending Microsoft’s MPIP encryption capabilities to files in shared folders using drag-and-drop. 

HaloSHARE: DLP extension to CAD files

Traditional DLP systems can recognize CAD file extensions, but impose "all or nothing" blocking rules on these files. 

With HaloSHARE, you can implement custom DLP classification rules to CAD files at a granular level by embedding descriptive metadata within popular proprietary CAD file formats (i.e. Autodesk, Bentley, PTC etc). This allows DLP systems to scan files for custom character patterns, associate those with a file classification type, and then take specific action (block, deny, allow, etc). In this way, you can apply DLP rules to Defense files that would not usually be covered. 

Example: automatic CAD file encryption in PLM systems

An aerospace firm uses a cloud-based PLM system to manage its internal production chain, but it’s not compatible with CAD file encryption. With HaloSHARE, they can automatically add sensitivity labels like “Export Controlled” as files move through the PLM system, ensuring consistent encryption from design to supplier handoff.

HaloSHARE: bulk file encryption with drag-and-drop

It’s not just CAD files that need encryption — PDF contracts and MS Office files containing CUI also require strong security during the Defense production chain. 

With HaloSHARE, you can extend MPIP protection to files placed within shared folders (i.e. OneDrive or SharePoint) using drag-and-drop, encrypting hundreds of sensitive files with adjustable sensitivity labels, which can be tracked, revoked and set to expire. 

Example: winning DoD contracts

A mechanical engineering company specializes in Defense machinery. In a competitive market, it needs efficient production to win DoD contracts, but also needs to show strong digital security. With HaloSHARE’s automated bulk file encryption and monitoring capabilities, they can easily satisfy both requirements and improve their chances of winning DoD contracts. 

HaloSHARE for Defense: the results 

Secure your production chain 

Be it accidental leakage or purposeful stealing, all it takes is one gap in the Defense production chain to put the whole company at risk. HaloSHARE not only encrypts your precious CAD files, but also automatically encrypts all project files placed with shared folders, so your sensitive info is always protected from unauthorized access or bad actors. 

Maintain seamless workflows 

Be it large-scale Defense processes or multi-year R&D projects, heavy security measures make it impossible to maintain production chain efficiency. But with HaloSHARE’s automated and bulk sensitivity labeling, you can easily secure and track project files without slowing down workflows. 

Simplified compliance

Be it complying with CMMC/ITAR regulations or responding to future DoD security demands, you need to be able to demonstrate where your sensitive files travel and who has access to them. By adding HaloSHARE’s discreet watermarking metadata to files in bulk, you can trace files’ access history and easily demonstrate compliance. 

Defense: choose the perfect balance between file security and production efficiency

Up to now, the Defense industry faced an uncomfortable choice between inefficient production or insecure production. 

With Secude, there’s now a solution that hits the sweet spot for the Defense production chain: automated encryption and monitoring without impeding digital workflows. 

Get in touch to find out more.

Download our HaloSHARE solution brief.