University Systems help center
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Encrypt files using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC (not Adobe Reader) protects files using it's Protection function. This function does not simply passphrase-protect a file, but it encrypts is using AES encryption. The following instructions were created under Windows, but the procedure is almost identical under Mac OS.
- With your document open, click on the Protect tool from the right pane.
- From the Advanced Options or the Encrypt drop down menu, select Encrypt with Password.
- Click Yes in the Applying New Security Settings dialogue box.
- In the Password Security Settings window, ensure that the settings are as follows:
a. Ensure that Require a password to open the document is selected.
b. Under Compatibility, choose Acrobat X and later.
c. Ensure that Encrypt all document contents is selected.
d. Enter a strong password or passphrase in the Document Open Password field,
and then click OK.
- A dialogue box will prompt you to confirm the passphrase you have entered. Reenter the passphrase and click OK.
- A dialogue box will notify you that you must save the PDF file for the security settings to take effect. Click OK.
- Save your PDF document by clicking File and then Save.
Verify that (SECURED) appears in the title bar.
