A method for securing the chronological integrity of files prior to archiving of the files, involving an exchange between a client and a Time Source Provider, the method comprising the steps of: the client generating a Public and a Private Key pair; the client generating attributes of the to be archived files; encrypting the client's files utilizing the client's Public Key; transmitting the encrypted data attributes and key signature to said Time Source Provider; the Time Source Provider creating a TimeMap containing the current time, time calibration data, file attributes and client encryption key signature; and the Time Source Provider providing the client data and time map back to the client.