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How to Copy Protect PDF : Document Security

Portable Document Format (PDF)Portable Document Format (PDF) has been the global standard for document distribution since Adobe launched it in 1993. PDF has become the most commonly used document format because all types of documents can be converted to PDF. Their universal compatibility makes them invaluable, but it also makes them prime targets for content theft, data leakage and unauthorized distribution.

To prevent such exploits, copy protection can be employed, but one solution may not be the best choice for every scenario. This article explores the different scenarios and their requirements - for you to choose the best PDF protection solution for your project.

Copy Protection vs. DRM

First and foremost, one needs to realize that Copy Protection and DRM are distinctly two different processes with different methods and effect.

While Copy Protection can be the prevention of both "file copy" and the copy of a file's contents while on display, it does not prevent sharing or unauthorized distribution - and that is where DRM comes into play. DRM is about controlling just who can open a file, how and when. When real DRM is applied, only those with the explicit approval of the author can open and read DRM protected media. Techniques like "password protection" will not prevent sharing because passwords can be shared.

Real DRM identifies each individual by device fingerprint so that each can enjoy specific privileges pertinent to their user account or the media in question - and those priveleges cannot be shared. Real DRM also prevents the user from turning back their computer clock to avoid expiration.

For copy protection, encryption is the key to preventing data extraction, which is why the copy protection provided by ArtistScope solutions are beyond comparison - by requiring a proprietary reader and/or web browser nothing can be extracted or copied in any way, not even by use of PrintScreen, screenshots or screen capture software.

Usage Scenarios

Some different scenarios for protected PDF documents include:

  • Secure documents for use within corporate networks and select departments or groups.
  • Secure documents or collections of documents provided as part of a training course.
  • Secure documents sold online as an ebook.

In all of these cases, both Copy Protection and DRM is most recommended. Next to consider is the deployment type:

  • Desktop Reading - documents can be sent by email, downloaded and saved to the user's computer, and opened locally for reading on the desktop.
  • Online Reading - documents can be read online as web pages.

Desktop Reading

Desktop reading requires the CopySafe PDF Reader which is a Windows application - any device capable of running a VM can use Windows. For example, on Mac OSX Bootcamp is a good example of VM software. ENC type PDF files encrypted for the CopySafe PDF Reader can employ DRM managed from an online dashboard. The DRM portal caters for live validation checks giving authors total control over any changes made, even to PDF files already saved to the user's computer. Authors can also allow the use of offline DRM tokens for when an Internet connection may not be available.

The CopySafe PDF Reader provides DRM and copy protection that is far superior to anything else, and it is the most recommended solution for corporate newtorks. Regardless of whether attaching CopySafe PDF files to emails or providing them as a download, encrypted PDF files should always be packed into a compressed file (ZIP) to prevent corruption by mail clients, and download failure due to lesser known file types.

Online Reading

For online reading CopySafe PDF documents can be displayed on web pages that can be read on all computers and devices including Windows, Mac, iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android phones by using the ArtisBrowser. ArtisBrowser is a secure web browser especially designed for copy protection.

Online reading can ensure that subscribers always read the latest document. But DRM is better left to the login system provided by your web site. For example, WordPress provides the choice of many plugins for subscription and group management - for example, the SafeGuard DRM plugin for can add access rights management to any WordPress web page withthe option of creating DRM Tokens per user and page.

More Information

FAQs

Q1: Can I stop people from taking screenshots of my PDF?
Yes. All of our solutions prevent all copy techniques including PrintScreen and screen recording.

Q2: What is the best solution for copy protecting an ebook that I sell online?
For ebook sales we reommend using DRM so that you can assign a DRM token following the sale. To make that ebook accessible to users on all devices including mobile, we recommend using the Guest Video service and publishing the PDF as a "web page". This way you do not need a website and can simply operate/manage subscriptions from a mobile phone.

Q3: Can I host copy protected PDF on my own website?
Yes. CopySafe PDF software encrypts for all types of scenarios and there are plugins for adding Copysafe PDF encrypted files to all popular CMS like WordPress, Moodle, Drupal, Joomla and DNN.

Q4: Can I use Copysafe PDF on any type of website?
Yes. CopySafe encrypted PDF can be displayed on any type of web page by simply using the HTML example provided in the user-guide.

Q5: How can I copy protect all types of files including PDF and video?
While there is a CopySafe PDF and a CopySafe Video solution, if you have a dedicated server or VPS, you can use the ArtistScope Site Protection System (ASPS) which is a server side filter that encrypts web pages tagged for ASPS - those web pages can include any type of media including images, PDF and video. ASPS pages can only be opened and viewed by using the ArtisBrowser and while on display, nothing can be extracted or copied in any way.

Free Consultation

Free consultation for your project is available by email - however we do recommend reading all of the information provided above before deciding what you want to do. Then you should be able to describe your requirement for us to give the best advice. Please include as much detail as possible, including a link to your website.

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