Encrypt PDFs

[hungrybeaver]

We've got a situation where we want to start encrypting our PDFs that get emailed out. There are various ways to edit a PDF file these days (zamzar.com for one) and I would like to find out if there is a way to encrypt PDFs so that they cannot be edited/converted etc.

The PDFs in question are emailed directly from an accounting package, not Outlook.
We have Exchange 2010.

Any one know of something that would do the job?

 

[HavocXphere]

You need to pay afaik. Adobe reader pro (or whatever they call it) can do it.

If the a/c package creates the PDFs then you've got a problem....basically the a/c package would have to support it.

I think you are looking the signed pdfs not encrypted though....

 

[hungrybeaver]

lol yep signed seems to be the correct term

ya I'll need to have a word with the guys who support the a/c software and see if it will work with Acrobat Pro. I would hope that the files can't be edited in some way after being sent.

thanks

Adobe's site doesn't give too much info on the security of it... just sent them a mail with some questions.

 

[bubbatentoe]

Contact Thawte

You buy a 1 or 2 year SSL package from them.
A server at your premises is linked to Thawte who then digitally signs each PDF document that's sent out (with a SSL Certificate with your company details and certificate expiry date)

There is one possible prolem though.
It is "assumed" that all your clients have internet access (in order to connect to Thawte so they can verify the certificate when they open the document)
If they try to open the document and they cannot connect to Thawte (to verify the certificate) then the document doesn't open.