To properly secure a file, you
- MUST prevent file access for unauthorized individuals, password sharing and illegal file distribution.
- MUST prevent unauthorized copying reproduction of your PDF documents.
- MUST prevent uncontrolled printing and redistilling of PDF documents.
- MUST prevent access from refunded or fraudulent users.
- MUST allow easy set-up and use, so as not be a hassle for your customers.
Let's examine each requirement in more detail. . .
REQUIREMENT # 1
Must prevent unauthorized file access, password sharing and illegal file distribution.
Despite the emphasis placed by most file protection services on a file's algorithmic encryption, the encryption is not the weak spot -- it’s the PASSWORD.
According to the 2003 CSI/FBI survey, 77% of all information theft is done by those who have authorized access to the information!
Information is most often stolen by those who have the passwords. They just pass along the document and password to others. Simple as that. No complicated code breaking here. If I get your file from a friend, and he sends me the password also, I now have access to your material without your consent, without breaking a sweat... and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Any professional quality file protection system must protect against this simple security bypass.
REQUIREMENT # 2
Must prevent unauthorized copying and reproduction of your material.
Preventing copying and reproduction of your material requires a system that will prevent the user from copying any content from your document, if you don't want them to do so.
Without this protection, anyone can copy your document and paste it into any word-processing software to create their own product. In fact, a standard feature in Adobe Acrobat is the ability to copy the entire file to the clipboard and paste it into another document or onto the desktop!
Most file protection vendors will prevent the copying of text, as this is relatively simple. However, these programs almost never protect against screen capture and screen sharing applications which can be used to reproduce your document!
Free screen capture software is everywhere on the Internet. Windows 7 now comes STANDARD with a screen capture utility (Its called 'Snipping Tool'). Make sure your protection solution handles this loophole.
REQUIREMENT # 3
Must prevent uncontrolled printing and redistilling PDF files.
When you prevent printing of a file, you close many serious security loopholes. But what if your document contains many pages? Your customers may prefer to print your file because it is easier to read offline.
If you distribute your information in digital format and want to allow printing, you must use a protection system that:
- Allows the user to print your file.
- Controls how much the user can print.
- Places your unique watermark on each printed page.
- Closes the printing loophole that currently allows any user to generate a restriction free copy of your protected file.
Most file protection systems on the market today do not prevent your file from being "redistilled" into a protection-free copy within minutes.
Re-distilling means recompiling the PostScript "code" of your file into a new PDF file or other file format. This is a deadly loophole in the PDF format and in most file protection systems. The most common distilling method is done by simply choosing to Print-to-file option and then using Adobe Acrobat to create a copy of the file.
In addition, it is now common for new computers to come pre-installed with 'print-to-file' software. These act as printers, but instead of printing a hard copy of the file, they will create an UNPROTECTED copy of the file on the user's hard drive! These "virtual" printers are available for free throughout the Internet, and pose a huge threat to the security of your document.
REQUIREMENT # 4
Must prevent access by refunded or fraudulent customers.
How do you prevent access to your file if someone used a fraudulent credit card, or if they request a refund?
File protection can be divided into two categories, static protection and real-time protection. Static protection is security that cannot be changed once the user has actually received your information.
An example of this is simple password protection described previously. You can password protect any file. However, once a user has the file and the password, they can then do with the file what they wish. You cannot change the password "after the fact". If you do not wish a user to have further access to your document, there is nothing you can do but ask them to no longer access it. With static protection this is all you can do when a customer requests a refund.
Oh, and let's not forget chargebacks! Another MAJOR ISSUE!
A fraudulent individual can use someone else's credit card, download your file and you wouldn't know about it until 6-8 weeks later when you receive the chargeback notice. Here's the real kick in the teeth; you will bear all costs, charges and losses in these transactions, while they get away clean. They have your product and you get the money taken from your account plus penalties. All while they continue to access distribute and copy your information anytime they wish.
Sure, credit card fraud is illegal. Heck, it's a federal crime, but it goes largely unprosecuted. No one pursues it and the bad guy almost ALWAYS gets away.
In the end, it is up to YOU
to protect yourself and your intellectual property.
What is needed is a real-time protection system that allows you to revoke or change the security settings for a specific file after it has been given to the customer or end user.
REQUIREMENT # 5
Must be easy to set up and use, but not be a hassle for your customers.
Many file protection solutions lock a file and password to the user's PC, which means the file will only work on that one PC. While this prevents password sharing and illegal file distribution (satisfying requirement #1), you need to consider that your customers work between their offices and home computers. If they take the document from their home computer to the office it will not work, causing them frustration and confusion.
Also consider the hassle your customer may experience trying to access their file again if their system crashed and they were forced to re-install their hard drive or operating system.
What you need is a system that will lock a file to a user's PC, but also allow them to move or reinstall the file automatically when needed, without compromising the overall security of the document or inconveniencing the user. . . Making everyone happy. A win-win situation.
Who cares how "secure" a system is if it is too complicated to use, or it prevents your honest customers from accessing your document or software? You need a system that is easy to implement and is practically invisible to your customers and users. Watch a video on the File Secure Pro User Experience.
File Secure Pro meets all the requirements of a complete protection solution. It makes theft and unauthorized use extremely difficult and unlikely for even the most determined individuals. Compare our service with everyone else. We'll even help you compare us to others!
