Step On How To Secure PDF Files
There are certain benefits of using PDF files and perhaps the most important one of them all is security. PDF files are more secure than other file formats as they allow for more sophisticated encryption. As such, as a PDF user, you can securely transmit or share your data through email or removable storage.
- PDF security features allow you to dictate user access levels.
- By using of watermarks, you can classify certain documents as secret or confidential in order to limit their circulation.
- Application of digital signature on PDF files is an added security feature that serves to confirm the validity of a document.
- You can set passwords.
The most commonly used form of PDF protection is password protection. You can add password protection in the following ways:
1. While in Adobe, open the file you want to protect by clicking on file and choosing open, then double clicking on the targeted file.
2. Click on the icon that looks like a padlock (this is the security icon) and select ‘show security properties’.
3. Click on the drop-down arrow next to the option labeled ‘security method’ and choose the type of security you want to apply. In this case, select ‘password security’. A dialog box will open. The next steps outline tasks you will perform within that dialog box
4. Compatibility: set compatibility to Acrobat 7.0 and later
Establish from your network of users if there is any one among them who is using versions lower that Adobe 7.0 so that you adjust your compatibility setting.
However, security settings for earlier versions may be lower, it is therefore better to ask other users to upgrade to current levels.
5. Set open Password
You will notice that the words ‘document open password’ is greyed out. Select the ‘require password’ option and type in your password. Only disclose the password to anyone you intend to open and read the document. Pay attention to lower and upper case letters.
6. Set Permissions password
Permissions allow you to exercise certain controls. Set a second password under permissions to control who can perform tasks such as editing. Provide a different password from the open password.
7. In the ‘printing allowed’ dropdown menu, you should select ‘none’ if you want to limit the printing of the document.
8. In the ‘changes allowed’ drop down menu, select one of the options that are to your preference. If you are sharing an ongoing project or you are sharing some views on your file and you want people to comment, you should select an option that allows readers to comment.
9. Click ok and then Click ‘ok’ a second time to leave document properties
10. Save the file and close
Important to note
If you want to recheck and confirm that the security settings work, enter the ‘open password’ and the ‘permissions passwords’.
If in the future you want to see the restrictions you have applied to the files, you can click on details to confirm.
With the above 10 steps, your PDF files will be safe to send out.
0 comments: