Northrop Grumman Safe FTP (NG Safe) – Frequently Asked Questions

1)What is NG Safe?

The Northrop Grumman Safe Access File Exchange is an application that provides for secure file exchange. Since many organizations that do business with Northrop Grumman limit the size of attachments that can be sent via email, NG Safe was introduced as an alternative file sharing method to email and FTP.

2)Who can use NG Safe?

NG Safe is intended for the use of all within the Northrop Grumman community (employees and contractors).

3)How secure is NG Safe?

NG Safe uses the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocol – 128-bit encryption – when a file is uploaded and downloaded. Users should be aware, however, that the limited use PIN that users receive to access a file in NG Safe is sent via email. Therefore, the PIN is only as safe as your email system. Since this system was designed as an alternative to simply attaching the file to an email anyway, this is acceptable.

4)Are there other Northrop Grumman Procedures that I need to be in compliance with before using NG Safe?

Yes. If you are providing any export-controlled information to a foreign person using this system, you must first complete and receive approval via a Data and Services Export AuthorizationBEFORE uploading the information to NG Safe. For additional guidance on export-controlled information or determining whether your information falls under export control regulations, contact your Export Management Office or go to CO X202: Data and Services Export Authorization.

5)If I am required to complete a Data and Services Export Authorization (DSEA), how should I note this transaction in the DSEA electronic form?

Complete the form as you normally would for any other transaction and it is recommended that you augment that information with the following:

  • In the “Date, Types and Methods of Export” section of the DSEA note that the method of export is via FTP.
  • In the “Parties to the Export” section, “Recipients” subsection of the DSEA, include the recipient email address and that the transmission is via NG Safe in addition to the recipient name.

6)How can NG Safe be used to transfer Proprietary Level 1 and 2 documents?

All documents containing proprietary level data shall be encrypted when using this service. Use WinZip with AES encryption or comparable encryption to accomplish the required protection.

7)What file form(s) may be transferred through NG Safe?

With NG Safe, any form of file(s), including a zip file, may be sent to anyone with a valid email address.

8)What is the maximum file size that may be transferred through NG Safe?

Files of up to 2GB in size may be transferred through NG Safe but the actual size is dependent of various factors such as connection speed, the network’s congestion, and other various determinates.

9)How will I know when I have been given access to a file?

You will receive an email with the subject, Northrop Grumman Safe Access File Exchange Delivery Notice. It will tell you that you have been given access to a file along with a description of the file, a password to retrieve the file, and a link that will direct you to pick the file up.

10)How long will I have access to the file(s)?

In the email that confirms that you have been given access to a file, there will be a date which indicates when the file will be deleted. The delete date is specified by the person who has given you access to the file. The default expiration date is 2 days from the upload date. Files will be deleted automatically from the web server’s local repository on the date specified. Once a file has been deleted, it cannot be recovered.

11)Who can help me if I have problems accessing the file(s)?

The service desk can be called at 855-737-8364 (855-SERVE-NG) or be reached via their web page (

12)How many file(s) can I upload at one time?

With NG Safe there is an option where up to 20 files may be uploaded at one time; however, we STRONGLY recommend that you ZIP or archive multiple files before sending them.

13) Can I get a virus from a file I downloaded from NG Safe?

The NG Safe server automatically scans all files as they are uploaded to the system. If a file contains a virus, it is not written to the file system. Also, due to its design, NG Safe is not susceptible to worms or other email viruses. The virus detection software is updated on a regular basis to ensure that any new viruses can be detected; however, no system today is 100% secure from viruses, so normal precautions should be taken. If you receive a notification to download a file from someone you do not know, or were not expecting, call them to verify.

14)What kind of description should I have about a file?

The description of a file should concise and to the point. It should allow the person that is getting access to the file to know exactly what he/she is getting and for what purpose. The description will be included in the email the receiver will get, along with other information pertinent to the file.

15)What if I wish to recall any files that I uploaded by mistake?

When you upload a file or files, an email is sent to you and all recipients. A Package ID can be found in this email. You will need to contact an administrator for this application and let them know that you wish to recall files for the Package ID found in this email. Once this is done, users will no longer have access to the files that were uploaded. Be aware that even if only one file was uploaded by mistake, all of the files in the package will need to be uploaded again if you wish to allow continued access to them.

16)What errors are common and how are they overcome?

  • Error occurs on package creation
  • Originator’s e-mail address is incorrect and system cannot send the confirmation e-mail. Before submitting, ensure that all e-mails are in the correct format and have the correct spelling.
  • Error occurs on package confirmation
  • Recipient’s e-mail address is incorrect and system cannot send the delivery e-mail. Before submitting, ensure that all e-mails are in the correct format and have the correct spelling.
  • Error occurs when retrieving files
  • If pasting password, an extra character is inadvertently copied. Copying the password out of an e-mail message can be problematic. Attempt to paste the password in Notepad and then copy/paste into the browser.
  • Often, an external (to NG) user’s e-mail client will convert the web link into plain text. Although the link will still be active, a line break is inserted in the middle of the link. Ensure that you’re copying the entire link and paste into Notepad. Remove the hard break from the URL and copy/paste into the browser.