The security of PDF files is a common concern. There are several criteria with regard to the security of PDF files: Security from viruses, security against spying, security against loss of PDF files, security against modification by third parties and security against removal of content. This practical tip deals with the simple password protection that is integrated into Acrobat.
Every coin has two sides, this also applies to the security of PDF files: Product manufacturers want a PDF file to be protected from modification and removal of content, hardware manufacturers wish to use the PDF files of their suppliers as a quarry for the documentation and resent protection mechanisms. Technically, the PDF format accommodates both - a balancing act that is questionable to work properly.
The responsibility of the creator
Fig.: Dialog for specifying permissions for dealing with a PDF file in Adobe Acrobat 8.
For the creator of a PDF file, there are a number of arguments that make protecting a PDF file a pre-condition:
- For liability reasons, it should not be possible for third parties to change a technical documentation.
- For the same reason, parts of a documentation may not be extracted from the PDF file and copied into a new context, without the author releasing ...
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