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karenc47377776
Participating Frequently
January 29, 2018
Answered

Prevent forwarding of pdf files

  • January 29, 2018
  • 4 replies
  • 7887 views

I have been tasked with ensuring that our copyrighted and secured pdf publications (sent via Dynamics 365) cannot be forwarded by the original recipient.  I am aware of other products available that fulfill this function, but I was wondering if Adobe already has a product to do the same?  Encryption with digital ID is impractical when there are from 20 to up to 200 subscribers receiving the file. If nothing is available through Adobe, I would like to hear of any recommendations?

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Correct answer Test Screen Name

You need to be very clear that "do not forward" is impossible. What some products offer is a control over who can OPEN a file (DRM). The forwarded copy is therefore useless, but it is still forwarded. This must be made very clear to stakeholders.

You seem concerned about administrative overhead so be aware that DRM solutions, if they are to actually product files individually locked and accountable to users, will likely have significant administrative cost. In this regard using digital certificates, which you describe as "impractical", is no worse than anything else, I suspect. 

4 replies

try67
try67
Community Expert
October 19, 2019

I recommend no one use this website. See my review of it here: https://community.adobe.com/t5/Acrobat/how-to-prevent-pdf-files-save-locally-or-forward-the-to-anyone/td-p/10376802

In short, the protection it offers is easily overcome and it is not clear who (or what) is behind it, that you're giving access to your sensitive files to...

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Test Screen Name
Brainiac
January 30, 2018

For the two reasons you identify it’s more common to use a third party (“publisher“) to deliver the DRM. This too has a cost.

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Test Screen NameCorrect answer
Brainiac
January 29, 2018

You need to be very clear that "do not forward" is impossible. What some products offer is a control over who can OPEN a file (DRM). The forwarded copy is therefore useless, but it is still forwarded. This must be made very clear to stakeholders.

You seem concerned about administrative overhead so be aware that DRM solutions, if they are to actually product files individually locked and accountable to users, will likely have significant administrative cost. In this regard using digital certificates, which you describe as "impractical", is no worse than anything else, I suspect. 

K
karenc47377776Author
Participating Frequently
January 30, 2018

Thank you for the clarity of your reply MVP

As you correctly ascertained, the main aim is that only the addressee of the email can open the file and save it, with forwarding resulting in the next recipient being unable to open, read or save the file.  I was rather imprecise with my original explanation.

Thus far I have also determined that the financial costs of a DRM solution seem prohibitive, as well as administrative as you stated, especially for a small business with a small team.

The main aim is to protect our IP for the unique publications we sell, which securing and 'watermarking' of a PDF is insufficient in this instance.

Bernd Alheit
Bernd Alheit
Community Expert
January 29, 2018

Which other products doesn't allow forwarding PDF files?

K
karenc47377776Author
Participating Frequently
January 29, 2018

I am currently looking at lock lizard, but have not had a response as to suitability for mail merges where more than one recipient receives the same email.

Bernd Alheit
Bernd Alheit
Community Expert
January 29, 2018

Adobe has also a DRM solution.

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