.sdc Deep Dive
A technical overview of the Secure Data Compiler file format.
1. Introduction
.sdc (Secure Data Compiler) is a revolutionary file format engineered for environments where data integrity, privacy, and auditability are paramount. Crafted as an offline-first, self-contained archive, .sdc eliminates reliance on external services while offering enterprise-grade security and verifiable history for every operation.
2. Key Capabilities
- Multi-Type Bundling: Seamlessly encapsulate Word, PDF, XLSX, images, audio snippets, and custom data modules.
- Hierarchical Organization: Maintain folder structures and sub-documents within the same container, with intuitive navigation.
- Change Records: Each save, edit, or annotation generates a record with: User identity (via public key fingerprint), Precise UTC timestamp, and SHA-256 hash of file state.
- Chain Linking: Records form a tamper-evident hash chain; any alteration breaks continuity.
- Digital IDs & Certificates: Integrate X.509 certificates or PGP keys to sign entire packages or individual elements.
- Proof of Presence: Capture webcam snapshot or biometric gesture on signing, with embedded IP and geolocation metadata.
- Client-Side Engine: JavaScript and WebAssembly runtime executes entirely in-browser or native app; zero external API calls.
- Local Vault Mode: Lock container behind a master passphrase; unlock only on your device.
3. Technical Architecture
- Enhanced ZIP Backbone: AES-256 encrypts entries; custom header flags denote module types.
- Metadata Namespace: JSON-based manifest housing version, module schema, and plugin pointers.
- Block Structure: Each change becomes a block: {index, prevHash, timestamp, author, dataHash}.
- Verification Tooling: CLI or UI validator can audit chain integrity in seconds.
- Plugin SDK: Build custom handlers for: redaction workflows, compliance checks, or analytics plugins.
- Auto-Discovery: Modules declared in manifest load dynamically at open-time.
- Legal & Litigation: Track chain-of-custody for evidence files; generate court-ready export.
- Government & Compliance: Maintain audit logs for FOIA requests; ensure policy adherence.
- Corporate Security: Encrypt financial models; enforce view-only vs. edit rights.
- Field Operations: Inspectors and investigators work in remote/off-grid environments.
- Impenetrable Auditability: Immutable ledger beats manual versioning.
- Privacy by Default: Offline, zero-trust architecture.
- Scalability: From single-user notebooks to enterprise vault clusters.
Download the SDC CLI or Web App from our website.
Initialize your first .sdc package with
sdc init your-vault.sdc
Add Files:
sdc add your-vault.sdc report.docx
Commit Changes:
sdc commit -m "Initial draft"
Review & Sign: Use our UI to apply digital signatures and generate audit reports.