Measures to prevent theft of e-books in PDF format

With the popularity of computers today, e-book learning is no stranger. Many acquaintances order books through the online sales website rather than taking a round of traditional books and magazines. However, e-books are also becoming targets for hackers, or those who want to study 'pagodas'. Today, Network Administrator would like to introduce some measures to prevent the theft of e-books in PDF format for reference by readers.

We use one of the two main options :

First option : Use basic protection available in Adobe Acrobat .

Adobe Acrobat allows you to set up basic protection functions for pdf files including:

1. Copy the text.
2. Print file
3. Change text
4. Create a password for the text (this password is not absolutely secure, many people have been previously broken, but still protected enough to keep a certain level of security with most people around)

Ideally, you will use these features in Adobe Acrobat, but it is possible that the high price makes you unable to get the software. Fortunately, there are many PDF creation programs that also allow you to set up some similar features.

You can look at: http://www.pdf995.com http://www.pdffactory.com http://www.deskpdf.com

There are also several standalone applications such as: http://www.verypdf.com/encryptpdf/index.htm

I call option 1 a "static protection" because after you select the protection function and distribute the files, you will not be able to change the security options in those files anymore. For example, you send a file that has set up security for a customer A in December, but in January your relationship with that customer becomes stressful that you don't want them to continue to access the file anymore. Unfortunately, with the 'static protection' program you cannot change their access because it is already set up and sent.

Although this may prevent copying the text in the file, it does not prevent a user from copying the entire file and returning it to others. So you need to set a password to access the file, but the password can still be broken easily. If the material is important, you should increase protection with other professional programs.

Second option : Use a 3rd party protection system

In this option you use systems with 'real-time' control for your documents. 'Real time' means you have the ability to control or edit the security options of the document after it has been delivered to the end user. This is a better way, providing the highest security with post-distribution.

Some programs only have the ability to lock and unlock simply while many other programs go into specifics of PDF type. With these programs you can edit pdf files at any time. You should search by the following criteria:

1. Does the system have a complete protection program?

This is the first point you should consider. If it's not good, leave it. When evaluating a protection program you should consider each component yourself, not just choosing based on the recommendation of the manufacturer. Many times I have seen companies launch wild ads about a certain protection program on their website. But when checking, this product does not seem to do anything. So the first thing you have to always check.

For PDF files, there are some basic features that any suitable protection program needs to handle. That's right:

1. Prevent recording a copy file
2. Prevent automatic e-mail, export or extract some pages in the file
3. Prevent copying files from TEMP folder in the device
4. Prevent copying files and text to clipboard
5. Prevent the re-storing of files
6. Prevent unlimited, uncontrolled file printing
7. Prevent unauthorized access to files
8. Blur all printed files

If any program does not perform the above tasks, it is best to ignore, search for other programs.

2. Can you afford it?

After a preliminary check above, the next step is to consider its cost. Depending on your ability, you can choose to buy all and run it on your server or on the host service and every month you have to pay a certain fee. Each way has its own advantages and disadvantages.

If you run the program on a private server, you don't have to pay for it every month. But these types of programs often require extensive programming and synthetic work. It may increase in price suddenly and it takes you weeks and months to upgrade, but keep running.

If you choose a third-party protection system (maintained on another company's host), you should avoid the general release because most of these services can cost up and only run in a few minutes to a hours.

3. Does the program have a self-distribution mode?

Does the protection program automatically distribute your documents to customers and clients without a distributor? If so, integrate it with your payment system and cart.

4. Is the program flexible?

The next thing you should consider is flexibility. Does it allow you to interrupt and edit security options, meeting some unusual requirements? The ability to customize some components such as program icons, download emails for customers, thank you pages . has caused many disturbances?

5. Does the program have any customer support?

What kind of support and help will you get when you buy products or services? Does the company's documentation show how to use it for all components? Because if you don't know how to use it, the program is very useless.

6. Is the company that produces the program reliable? Does it protect your data?

Is that company reliable? Do you feel that after buying, will the company leave, leaving your documents inaccessible or unprotected? Ask them about the ability to secure your information when trading. Do they copy your backup data? If yes, how often?

7. Can you demo the program first?

Most companies offer a free trial or demo program. You should try the program to know how it works. Install it and try it out to know exactly what you are looking for and see how it works exactly what you need. Do not log in to buy any program you haven't checked yet.

8. Other questions?

These are the main standards. Of course there are many other issues you care about, such as:

1. What is their cancellation or refund policy? Do they require a contract or can you log in to the system monthly?
2. Is their protection system using Acrobat Reader or any other pdf reader? If they use Acrobat Reader, do they have the required Adobe DRM license for all Acrobat security reading systems?
3. Does the program allow you to contact the user or customer database
4. You can export your user database or not

There are many issues to consider when deciding on a certain PDF protection program. My advice is not to rush or else start distributing files, you might be stuck with it.