Retrieve device specific information with JavaScript

[Nicholas36018110mcop]

Is there a way to retrieve information about a user's device? We have PDF files that send some information to our servers. Once the PDF file is sent to the first person who viewed the file, we want to be alerted when someone else viewed the file (intended recipient shared it to another person without our permission). Is there a way to detect this with JavaScript? Thanks

[Nesa Nurani]

I don't believe it's possible, but even if possible I would not recommend doing that, it would raise significant privacy and legal concerns.

[Nicholas36018110mcop]

I understand that concern. However, is there any way we can store a randomly generated ID somewhere in the user's device so that we can differentiate between users? The point is not to get their device information, but mainly to distinguish someone among other users.

[try67]

You can use a persistent global variable for that.

[Nicholas36018110mcop]

This would mean our customers need to disable the global object security policy right? Is there another way that doesn't require this step?

[try67]

Only by installing a script file on the local machine of each user.

[JR Boulay]

Yes and no.
Yes, because it is possible to access the user's identity data.
No because it requires an application script, i.e. the script must be installed in the "JavaScripts" folder of the Acrobat application on the user's computer.

Security is a must.