Setting up security policies for PDFs Part 2

Setting up security policies for PDFs Part 2

Creating policies for secure file attachments

You can add security to one or more documents by embedding them in a security envelope and sending it as an email attachment. This method is useful if you want to send a secure file attachment without encrypting the files. You can embed the documents as file attachments in a security envelope, and encrypt and send the envelope to the recipients. When the recipients open the envelope, they can extract the file attachments and save them. The saved files are identical to the original file attachments and are no longer encrypted when saved.

For example, when you send confidential documents, including non-PDF files, you only want the recipient to view the documents. You can embed these documents as attachments in a security envelope, encrypt the envelope, and send it by email. Anyone can open the envelope, view its cover page, and even view a list of the contents. However, only the recipient can view the embedded attachments and extract them.

Embed file attachments in security envelopes for secure transit
Embed file attachments in security envelopes for secure transit.

  1. 1. Select  All tools > Protect a PDF. Select Create Security Envelope under ADVANCED OPTIONS.

  2. 2. Select Add File to Send, select the documents you want to attach, and then select Next.

  3. 3. Select an Envelope Template, and select Next.

  4. 4. Select a Delivery Method, and select Next.

  5. 5. If an envelope policy has been created, select it or select New Policy. Then, follow the steps to create a policy.

  6. 6. Review the information and select Finish.

  7. 7. For some policies, you are asked to type the information you want displayed on the envelope. Enter enough information to allow recipients to identify the sender of the envelope.
  8. 8. Complete the security information (password, certificate, or policy).
  9. 9. When the envelope is displayed, type the names of the recipients. Then, either select the Save or Mail icon in the toolbar.

    If you select the Mail icon, your default email program opens with the security envelope as an attachment. Type the email addresses of the recipients and send the email message.

Apply a policy to attachments in Outlook

You can send different types of files as secure PDF attachments in Microsoft Outlook. This option is available only if Adobe Experience Manager - Forms Server (Document Security) is set up and available in Acrobat.

  1. 1. In Outlook, choose New Mail Message on the Home ribbon.
  2. 2. Click the Attach As Secured Adobe PDF button   on the Adobe PDF ribbon.
  3. 3. Select the file you want to attach by typing the file path or by clicking Browse.
  4. 4. Specify how you want to secure the document, and select OK.

    The file is converted to PDF and encrypted using the security method you choose.

  5. 5. Complete the email message, and then select Send.

Export security settings

  1. 1. In Acrobat, select Acrobat from the upper-left(macOS) or the hamburger menu   (Windows) and then select Preferences > Security > Export.

  2. 2. Choose which groups of settings you want to share and select OK.

  3. 3. Review and modify the security settings as needed, and then select Export.

  4. 4. Select the method to encrypt the security settings (if desired), and then select OK.

  5. 5. Choose Recipients and select OK twice.

  6. 6. Sign the file.

Copy, edit, or delete a policy

  1. 1. In Acrobat Home, choose See all tools > Protect a PDF > Manage security policies.

  2. 2. From the Show drop-down list, choose whether you want to display all policies you have access to, user policies you’ve created, or organizational policies.

  3. 3. Select a policy, and then use the options you want:
    Note

    Options to edit or delete organizational policies aren’t available unless you have administrator rights to Adobe Experience Manager - Forms Server (Document Security). Changes to these policies can be made only on Adobe Experience Manager - Forms Server (Document Security), which opens automatically when you select an option.

    Copy Use to create a policy that’s based on the settings of an existing policy.

    Edit Editing a user policy that is stored on a local computer affects only documents to which the policy is applied after the policy is edited. For user policies stored on a server, you can edit the permission settings and other options. This option isn’t available for organizational policies.

    Delete This option is not available usually for organizational policies.

    Favorite If this option is selected, a star appears next to the policy. To remove a policy from the favorites, click Favorite again. You can apply the Favorite option to multiple policies. Use this option to make a policy easier to retrieve.

Revoke a policy-protected PDF

To restrict access to a policy-protected PDF that you made available to a group of users, you can revoke the document.

  1. 1. Do one of the following:
    • For a single PDF or a component PDF in a PDF Portfolio, open the PDF and log in to Adobe LiveCycle Rights Management ES.

    • For a PDF Portfolio, open the PDF Portfolio, log in to Adobe Experience Manager - Forms Server (Document Security).

  2. 2. Choose All tools > Protect a PDF > Document Security > Revoke

  3. 3. From the menu on the web page, choose an option that explains why you’re revoking the document, or type a message. If you’re replacing the revoked document, type the URL location of the new document.
  4. 4. Select OK to save your changes.

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