How to Easily Password Protect a PDF from Data Breach
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The security of a Portable Document Format (PDF) file has been questioned concerning the surge of data breaches nationwide. And we all can agree that a leak of your personal information or corporate data is damaging. Not only could it tarnish your reputation, but it's also financially burdening.  CNBC's recent survey collected a shocking result of over 1.6 billion individuals encountered data breaches in the first half of 2020 alone. 

In such vulnerabilities, we can't help but heighten our security defense. While there are other ways to safeguard your data, the easiest way would be encrypting your PDF files with passwords. The upshot? It's accessible and the set up is effortless. So, here's exactly how it's done. 

How Does A PDF Work? 

Before you understand how PDF works, it's best to know its purpose. The PDF was created to serve the purpose of preserving the document's original layout and format. You can easily convert Word to PDF without having to worry about the format runoff. 

On contrary to Word or Excel, PDF files are meant for viewing rather than editing. It was made to help Windows or Mac OS users to share and view a document interchangeably as intended. But, how does a PDF work? With the combination of PostScript, front-embedding system, and a series of a structured storage system, an original document can then be translated into a PDF file for online and offline viewing. Luckily there are plenty of free online PDF converters or paid PDF software to get the job done. 

How to Convert Word and Pages to PDF? 

To password protect your PDF, first, you need a PDF file. While many users would have opted for a PDF converter, did you know that you can convert Word to PDF on your computer? 

Starting with a Word document, you can simply select the desired document and Save As PDF or Export document as (.pdf) file. However, you can only convert Word into PDF if you've pre-installed Adobe Acrobat on your laptop. 

As for Mac pages, you can simply go to the menu bar to select File > Export > PDF. It's as simple as that. 

Benefits of Password Protected PDF Files 

Safeguarding our properties brings more good than harm. While some might find it a hassle, you'll never know when you'll need it. The last thing you want is to pay the price for your negligence and disinclination to take precautions. Here are some of the privileges of a password protected PDF File: 

1. PDF Compliance 

It's by law for business owners to comply with the Data Protection Regulations when dealing with customer's personal information. That means, the safety of your client's data is your utmost priority. By encrypting the PDF files, you're doing yourself a favor from risking the hefty fines. The password protection acts as an additional protection layer from data infiltrations. 

2. Standardizing the Documentation Management System 

To eradicate the chances of different users recycling the data in your PDF file, you can simply create a password to limit user's accessibility. By implementing password protection on your PDF files, you get to decide who can access the data and otherwise. It's straightforward and it's clear that you do not want someone to access the file without permissions. 

3. Avoid PDF Modifications and Printing 

Yes, nobody likes their documents to be modified or printed illegally. Unfortunately, you can't prevent that from happening until you implement a security system. Password protection can just solve your problems most cost-efficiently. 

*Note: Please be aware that without PDF encryption, your document is still at risk. That means any users can bypass your password protect PDF by using a third-party unlock software to free up the protection. 

Step-by-step Guide to Password Protect PDF Files

It's easier to password protect your PDF files that you imaged, if you know where to look. Just follow these instructions and you're all good to go.

Again, to password protect your PDF files, you'll need to encrypt them first. By encrypting your PDF, you're translating the data into a classified code whereby only the authorized recipients are allowed to access the information. From there, you can then apply your customized password to secure your PDF files.

In this case, we'll use PDFBear as an example:

#Step 1: Go to PDFBear to Encrypt your PDF File

First, go to the PDFBear, then select Protect PDF from the homepage.

#Step 2: Upload Your Document for Encryption

Next, upload your desired document or file to be encrypted. To do so, simply Drag and Drop your documents into the converter or use the function to Upload a Files. After it's uploaded, you can type in your password into the system.

*Note: Though PDFBear uses 256-bit encryption that is one of the most secure encryption, we still recommend users to use a minimum of 9 characters with a mixture of capital letters, alpha-numeric, and signs.

#Step 3: Enjoy Your Password Protect PDF File

The whole process is fuss-free, and it's beginner-friendly too. This online PDF converter could probably be one of the safest products in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why Can't I Encrypt or Password Protect a PDF File?

In such cases, your PDF files might be corrupted or there might be some complications that are preventing the encryption process. The most common issue is the there is an incompatible version of your PDF viewing option. However, there is a chance whereby the file is password protected from changes.

2. What kind of password is most secure to protect a PDF File?

By standard, you should not recycle your common password for everything. For maximum protection, always opt for upper and lowercase letters in your password. Make sure your password has a combination of symbols, numbers, and it needs to be at least 10 characters.

Be Mindful and Keep Your PDF Files Safe

Protecting your PDF files is important because this involves your privacy. We've included ways on how you protect your PDF files with a password in this article. In the age of technology and the internet, it's good to make sure that your data and privacy are kept safe. You're not sure whether your information might be used against you. It's good to always be mindful and take precaution whenever you send something online. Be sure to make your files accessible only to users you can trust. We hope our article helps you in keeping your files and other data or information safe so that you can avoid any data break or leaked information.

CHECK OUT: How To Use Recovery Toolbox for an Adobe PDF Repair Online 

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