The common consensus is to set up robust and complex passwords for your documents when safeguarding your PDF files and documents. The practice of logging in has been around since the 1960s. Today, the combination of password and login credentials has become the de facto standard in how a vast number of Internet users continue to authenticate them selves today. So while using passwords to access different files, PDF documents and services have become the staple, it has also become the most abused.
Problems with using passwords in protecting your documents
Using passwords and login combinations gives you access to resources and services. However, this same method has also been the most stolen and hence has become an unsafe and dangerous method of authenticating any user in the modern digital age. Let’s look at some of the methods in how passwords pose a problem and can ruin your business.
- If your computer has been infected with malware, hackers can use keyloggers to silently copy all information that you enter through the keyboard, most importantly your passwords, without your knowledge.
- If your computer is infected with spyware, the programs would be quietly monitoring your behaviour, taking screenshots and sending traffic information to cybercriminals.
- Hackers could infiltrate your machine through back doors and execute scripts on your device.
- Social engineering attacks could obtain usernames and passwords illicitly from your computer.
- Hackers could send out phishing emails to manipulate you to reveal your password and login details or install spyware and malware.
- Threat agents could launch spear-phishing attacks as a sophisticated method of coercing you to reveal your passwords and login information, such as asking you to reset your current credentials on platforms you already use.
- Cybercriminals could target C level executives through whaling in the form of various deception methods such as phishing attempts, vishing, smishing etc.
- Threat agents could also employ packet sniffing, which means intercepting files and documents en route to the recipient or sharing passwords with unintended users with the intention of sharing information deliberately.
Hence, given that passwords are a poor choice to secure your PDF documents, you must consider proven alternative methods that are safe more secure.
- Multifactor authentication. Typically, this method confirms the user’s identity by considering various entities. Multifactor or two-factor authentication is a simple route. Firstly, you must enter your password and then a text is sent to your mobile phone in the form of an SMS, text or a phone call. You are then required to enter the verification number before conducting any transactions. This form of authentication is helpful as it prevents remote attacks.
- Biometric authentication. This process involves using human factors or features to access and obtain permission to use specific networks or services. For instance, fingerprints, palms, the iris or the DNA are regarded as biometric authentication features. In some cases, behavioural characteristics such as gestures or voice are also employed. In this method, the individual’s biometric data is captured and stored in a template. When the individual needs access, they must undergo the biometric authentication or scan, and once the right match is met, the user is granted access. Biometric authentication is considered a reliable method as it proves the individual’s real identity. However it is not infallible.
- Digital rights management [DRM]. When safeguarding your PDF files and documents, you need digital rights management or DRM to defend your content from unauthorized redistribution. DRM restricts the ways your users or recipients access your protected data. Regarded as the only proven solution and proactive document security method, DRM imposes copyright protection on your intellectual property and enables you to set complete controls on important PDF files such as market research, financial information, e-books, training courseware, modules, and similar such valuable data. With DRM, you can safely protect your PDF files and maintain the integrity and confidentiality of your content.
DRM for your PDF documents
With DRM, you can set down access restrictions such as preventing downloads, prints, sharing, copying and more. With its strong encryption, your PDF files are automatically protected regardless of their location. In addition, DRM also gives you complete control over how your users view and use your documents. Besides, you can also know where all of your documents lie, even while at rest, through its tracking features.
Conclusion
To secure data of value and what matters to you the most, you need stringent security to safeguard your information today. The problem with passwords is the ease at which anyone can break through and steal your information – either by sharing or hacking. Therefore, PDF DRM is the only proven document security solution that enables you to keep your data safe without the need for passwords or certificates. So, start protecting your documents with DRM and leave behind the ancient and unsafe world of passwords to truly experience a safe environment for your sensitive PDF documents.
