PDF Security Best Practices: Protect Your Documents
Protect sensitive PDFs with strong passwords, permissions, redaction, and signature verification. Follow these proven practices.
PDF Security Best Practices
1. Use Strong Password Protection
- Set an open password and a permissions password
- Choose long, unique passphrases
- Share passwords over a separate channel
2. Restrict Permissions
- Disable printing, copying, and editing when needed
- Use our Protect PDF tool to apply restrictions
3. Redact Sensitive Information Properly
Never rely on drawing black boxes. Use actual redaction that removes content from the file.
4. Verify Digital Signatures
Check certificate validity and document integrity before trusting signed PDFs.
5. Share Securely
- Use expiring links or encrypted email
- Avoid public Wi‑Fi for sensitive transfers
Conclusion
A layered approach—passwords, permissions, redaction, and signatures—gives the best protection. Start with our Protect PDF tool.