PDF Encryption Explained & Best Tools to Encrypt a PDF

While Data Encryption is useful to protect documents residing on your PC or laptop, PDF Encryption (also called PDF Restrictions) is an interesting technology allowing you to protect pdf files even after they leave your computer. That way, sensitive information you intend to distribute are protected from unauthorized access. Furthermore, unlike most data encryption solutions, pdf encryption can be opened by any free pdf reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.

When applying encryption on pdf files, you can choose between two functionalities:

1. PDF Password Protection. This feature will add a password prompt to your pdf file before it can be opened. Only if the correct password is entered will the pdf be displayed.

2. PDF Restrictions. With this feature you can prohibit users from printing, editing, or saving your pdf file. This is useful to make sure your pdf file stays as it is, preventing any form of alteration to its content or the way it is displayed.

In both scenarios you define a secure password during the pdf creation process. If a user tries to access the restricted features of your file (or the file itself) he first has to enter the correct password or the features will be blocked. The software controls this by adding an additional layer of security to your file, using a secure 128 bit pdf encryption algorithm.

How can you encrypt your PDFs?

There are several free PDF creators available, however, none we found offered reliable free pdf encryption. In order to use these features you will have to purchase a professional PDF creator. The most prominent solution in the PDF space is the Adobe Acrobat 9 Standard ($299.00) or for a more sophisticated solution the Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro ($449.00).

If your budget does not allow for brand name products, you can also purchase a more affordable solution offering the same standard of security with a sufficient amount of functions for the every day use. We recommend Nitro PDF Professional ($79.95) by Avanquest.

Both of these products come with a plugin for your office products and are very user friendly. The functions are self explanatory and you will quickly learn how to encrypt your own PDF files.

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