Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Team Awareness Kit (TAK) is a suite of geospatial mapping tools that enables tactical data to be generated, visualized, and shared on a map. You may think of it like "Google Maps on Steroids." It includes applications for Android (ATAK), Windows (WinTAK), and a web-based version (WebTAK), along with a server component (TAK Server).

Authorized users can download appropriate executable files and documents from the TAK.gov products tab.
You can also get ATAK from the Google Play Store or from our app TAK Stack.

For Android users, ATAK is for you.
If you are an iOS user, we recommend TAK Aware.
For Windows users, please visit the TAK.gov products tab to download WinTAK.

While you can use TAK clients in a peer-to-peer mode for basic functionality, a TAK Server is essential for most operational uses. The server enables robust data sharing, user management, and logging across different networks and geographic locations.

ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) is the Android version of TAK. It provides a situational awareness tool designed for use by military and first responders. It provides a common operating picture by integrating various data sources, including maps, sensors, and real-time communications, into a single interface. ATAK enables users to share information, collaborate on missions, and make informed decisions in dynamic environments.

iTAK (iOS Team Awareness Kit) is the iOS version of TAK. We recommend TAK Aware for iOS users.
It provides a situational awareness tool designed for use by military and first responders. It provides a common operating picture by integrating various data sources, including maps, sensors, and real-time communications, into a single interface. iTAK enables users to share information, collaborate on missions, and make informed decisions in dynamic environments.

TAK Aware is the recommended iOS client for TAK. TAK Aware is managed by Flight Tactics.

TSaaS means we handle all the backend complexity of hosting, managing, and securing a TAK server. You get all the benefits of a powerful, private TAK server without needing dedicated IT staff or hardware. We provide the server, you focus on the mission.

Yes. All our server tiers provide you with full administrative access, allowing you to upload, manage, and distribute your own plugins as needed for your specific operational requirements.

You own your data, period. Your server instance is private to your organization. Data is stored securely within the server's geographic region (US-based for all standard tiers). Our Gov Cloud tier offers specific data retention policies to meet government requirements.

Absolutely. We make it easy to scale your server solution as your team's needs evolve. Contact our support team to discuss upgrading your server tier at any time.

We enforce TLS 1.3 for all client-server communications to protect data in transit. All data at rest is secured using AES-256 encryption within our decentralized database.

Our servers are hosted on RedHat instances within AWS GovCloud, a DOD-authorized environment. We enforce strict firewall rules, disable all SSH access, and block root login from external sources to protect the network perimeter.

We perform daily vulnerability scans using VMDR agents on all nodes, with reports updated hourly. This allows for rapid identification of threats. System components and software packages are updated on a scheduled basis after patches have been tested and validated.

We enforce Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to ensure least-privilege access across all systems. Administrative access is strictly controlled, and backend APIs are protected by IP-based allowlists, isolating them from public exposure.

Our servers are hosted in AWS GovCloud, a DISA-compliant and DOD-authorized environment that supports IL4 (Impact Level 4) workloads for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). We apply additional application-layer and network-layer controls to align with IL4 security objectives for sensitive but unclassified operations.

While FedRAMP is important for many government IT systems, its structure can limit the flexibility and interoperability essential for real-time environments like TAK. By focusing on DOD IL4 standards, we maintain the high security required for CUI while preserving the operational freedom and rapid integration needed for true situational awareness.

Our servers are hosted on RedHat instances within AWS GovCloud, a DOD-authorized environment. We enforce strict firewall rules, disable all SSH access, and block root login from external sources to protect the network perimeter.

We enforce TLS 1.3 for all client-server communications to protect data in transit. All data at rest is secured using AES-256 encryption within our decentralized database architecture to enhance resilience and reduce risk.

The dashboard is built with strict isolation between frontend and backend systems. All backend APIs and services are hosted on isolated infrastructure, protected by firewalls that block all public IP access. Communication is only permitted from authorized internal systems, effectively isolating backend services from any public exposure.

We enforce Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to ensure least-privilege access across all systems. Administrative access is strictly controlled, and backend APIs are protected by IP-based allowlists, isolating them from public exposure.

We perform daily vulnerability scans using VMDR agents on all nodes, with reports updated hourly for rapid threat identification. System components and software packages are updated on a scheduled basis after all patches have been thoroughly tested and validated before deployment.

Yes, the EOTAK™ TAK Stack application is free to download and use from the Google Play Store.

While the TAK Product Center (TPC) is the official repository, TAK Stack is designed as a streamlined mobile-first experience. It simplifies version management and provides a curated, vetted list of essential plugins and maps from multiple sources, including EOTAK™ partners, saving you time and ensuring compatibility.

No, the TAK Stack app is a standalone tool for managing your ATAK client and resources. However, it is the perfect companion to an EOTAK™ Server for a fully integrated and managed tactical network.