How to securely send pdf documents ?

mjnc · Jan 12, 2015

I want to be able to send .PDF documents via email in a secure manner.

Maybe one option is to use 7-Zip to compress the documents and add encryption.
I could then send the password to the intended recipient with privnote

One problem is that the recipient probably uses an Apple/Mac, so she would be using something other than 7-Zip.
I may have to use ZipCrypto instead of AES-256 encryption.

Any suggestions about how to accomplish secure email document transfers ?

Would it be better to use something like Dropbox ?
I have never used that but I can still learn a few things, I hope. rolleyes

foogoo · Jan 12, 2015

Adobe and many other programs will password protect a pdf.
http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=password+protect+a+pdf

Eldon · Jan 13, 2015

What program did you use to create the PDF documents?

I have been using PDFCreator for 8 years. It allows you to password-protect and encrypt the document. Also, you can change the settings to automatically open the document in your email client - ready for sending.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/pdfcreator.html

NB Read the warning on the download page. I have not had a problem installing PDFCreator.

PS You can "reprint" a PDF document with PDFCreator - no need to abandon your original program.

DavidGP · Jan 13, 2015

Hi

In work we have Gov encryption for emails but only if you actually use it, this encrypts the whole email but is a PITA as the user the other end hsa to sign up for an account to gain an unlock code.

Now while Acrobat will encrypt an email its expensive, not tried any of the cheaper or free options, but mine and most I work with prefer moving files around via Dropbox or OneDrive as you can upload the file to a folder and only share that file with specific users only.

This way you can set-up various folders for specific users only, you can also give them access to return files as well, this way you can just drag and drop files into the shared folder and not have to go through the task of encrypting/passwording

Just thought of this as the alternate and quick way as you mentioned online storage.

Log in or Sign up

How to securely send pdf documents ?

mjnc MajorGeek

foogoo Major "foogoo" Geek

Eldon Major Geek Extraordinaire

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member