PDF Security
The PDF format was not created as a security standard and it has lulled many users into thinking a published PDF is secure.
Creating a PDF is so easy we often fail to think about the ramifications of the software tools we are using. Many solutions fail to clean out metadata from files before it is converted to a PDF. Items such as tracked changes, versions and comments can end up being included in your final PDF file after conversion without a proper metadata removal tool.
PDF Blacklines
Another common security issue arises with the PDF blackline. Many users have taken advantage of the tools to create graphics in PDF software to simply hide text by covering it with a black graphic. Unfortunately when you blackline a PDF in this manner, the content still exists behind the graphic covering the text. This content can easily be viewed by another user by cutting/pasting the PDF file into another file format.
PDF Security Policy Challenges
Perhaps the biggest challenge many organizations face is how to enforce a PDF security policy. Unfortunately many organizations rely on the end user to self-enforce PDF conversion. Relying on the end user has never been considered a best practice in security and experts unanimously agree that education alone cannot solve these security problems.
How to Enforce PDF Security
Organizations need to not only define corporate policies to manage, secure and control content, but require the tools to implement and enforce those policies. Whether it's stopping an email with an attachment that violates a corporate policy due to hidden metadata, or enforcing PDF file formats on any document that leaves the organization, policy management is among the most important best practices that every organization should follow.
PDF Information Leaks
Why Workshare?
Workshare software helps organizations exchange content and implement internal controls to protect data:
- The industry leading document and PDF comparison solution
- Enforce usage policies that control conten
- Stop out-bound email that contains financial or other sensitive information
- Alert end users to policy violations
- Enable companies to define rules for content control and protection
- Provide audit reports of content changes
- Support compliance activities without changing the way users work
14,000+ organizations use Workshare software, download your free trial and discover why.
