Fill device designed to securely store, transport, and transfer electronically both COMSEC and TRANSEC key, designed to be backward compatible with the previous generation of COMSEC common fill devices, and programmable to support modern mission systems. Source: NSA/CSS Manual Number 3-16 (COMSEC)
What does DTD mean?
The term Data Transfer Device (DTD) — COMSEC refers to a COMSEC data-transfer device used to receive, store, transfer, or load electronic cryptographic keying material into compatible equipment. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is data transfer device (DTD) — COMSEC used in cryptography or COMSEC?
In practice, Data Transfer Device (DTD) — COMSEC is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: a COMSEC data-transfer device used to receive, store, transfer, or load electronic cryptographic keying material into compatible equipment. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does data transfer device (DTD) — COMSEC need security controls?
Understanding Data Transfer Device (DTD) — COMSEC matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to a COMSEC data-transfer device used to receive, store, transfer, or load electronic cryptographic keying material into compatible equipment.
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Fill device designed to securely store, transport, and transfer electronically both COMSEC and TRANSEC key, designed to be backward compatible with the previous generation of COMSEC common fill devices, and programmable to support modern mission systems. Source: NSA/CSS Manual Number 3-16 (COMSEC)
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Data Transfer Device (dtd) (comsec). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/data-transfer-device-dtd-comsec
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