Acrobat Pro DC Encrypt with Password inconsistency

[STalon]

Hello,

I work in an enterprise scenario and some of our users, when going to the Tools, then Protect section of Acrobat DC, click on the Encrypt dropdown and have Encrypt with Password or Encrypt with Certificate.  Other users have only the Encrypt with Certificate option.  What controls which options appear in this menu?  The options that appear seem to be affected both by the user who is logged into the machine, as well as sometimes the machine they're using.  I'm having quite a time trying to figure this out.  thanks!

[Test Screen Name]

I don't know, but I never set a password that way. I always use File > Properties -- Security.

[JR Boulay]

Such bad news: you should read this carefully before using PDF "protections"!

==> https://web-in-security.blogspot.com/2019/09/pdfex-major-security-flaws-in-pdf.html

😞

[margueritek]

If FIPS mode is enabled, Encrypt with Password is not available.

[Test Screen Name]

I never knew that. I guess if you set your system to be secure, then worthless password security must be turned off. Details https://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/AppSec/fips.html