PDF Security Measures to Prevent Data Scraping

[Dilip380236750yhs]

I need some information regarding PDF security to prevent scraping by third-party applications. We are facing an issue where such applications are extracting customer statement data from PDFs, reformatting them, and using the information for personalized offers. This is resulting in a potential business loss for us.

Any assistance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[Amal.]

Hi there,

Hope you are doing well and thanks for reaching out and sharing your concern.

We understand how important it is to protect sensitive PDF data from unauthorized scraping or extraction by third-party applications. While no method is 100% foolproof against determined attackers, there are several steps you can take using Adobe Acrobat and related services to strengthen your PDF security and minimize such risks:

1. Restrict Copying and Extraction

You can apply password protection and set permissions to disable copying of text, images, and other content:

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Go to File > Protect Using Password or Tools > Protect > Restrict Editing.

Under permissions, uncheck "Allow copying of text, images, and other content".

For more, please check the help page: https://adobe.ly/3Ul35w2 

2. Apply Certificate-Based Encryption

Using certificate security ensures only authorized recipients with a digital certificate can open or interact with the file.https://adobe.ly/4nZdACU 

3. Use Redaction for Sensitive Data

If certain data must be completely hidden or removed, use the redaction tools to permanently delete sensitive content instead of simply masking it https://adobe.ly/3GVIzz5 

4. Flatten the PDF

Flattening converts form fields and text into a static image, making it harder for scraping tools to extract structured data:

You can do this by printing to Adobe PDF or flattening the content using the "Preflight" tool in Acrobat Pro https://adobe.ly/3IVMCMn 

Let us know how it goes.

[Elisabeth27117550lyfs]

Hi I have a related question
We add password protection on pdf:s using Password security (Security tab) in Document properties

Enabling copying of text, images and other content is ticked (allowed). Purpose if for reader to use the content but not edit. My question is if this setting also allow scraping of the content (by AI bots)?
The content is encrypted (see attached screen shot) but open for copying.

best regards

Elisabeth