How to Secure PDF
Here at the Protect my PDF blog, we are often asked how to secure a PDF file. Our first response is always to ask the person if they have released their PDF yet.
If the answer is, “no, the PDF has not yet been released” that’s good. If the answer is, “yes, we already have copies out there” then that’s a problem. Why?
Because, like locking the stable door after the horse has bolted, it’s too late. Even one copy of your PDF ebook or other PDF file, in the wrong hands is one too many and there are likely already scores of unauthorized PDF copies floating around.
The only time to secure a PDF is before it has been released. And these are the steps that should be taken.
1. Use a PDF protection system that contains live monitoring of who is accessing your PDF file. Monitor their name and IP address.
2. Use a secure PDF system that places a shell around your PDF that prevents unauthorized viewing.
3. Secure your PDF with a protection system that enables you to remove access to your PDF, whenever you choose. This is critical.
4. Do not allow printing of your PDF. Even in protection systems that claim to stop copying via the print process (printing to Adobe Acrobat and making a 100% unprotected copy, for example) the results of these systems is less than perfect. Instead, offer a printed, hard copy of your document as a stand-alone item (for additional profit if you desire)
5. Make sure you can evaluate your prospective PDF protection system for low cost, before rolling it out on a larger scale
6. Make sure your PDF protection system has versions that work with both PC for PDF protection and Mac PDF protection. Many protect PDF methods only work with one or the other operating system.
7. For our recommended solution that has all of the above features, with a demo video of how it works, please visit here
