Sharing documents and images via email or other flash drives are typical among computer users, but every user worry about the security of their files, when they require to share confidential information with other users. Every IT and Tech department utilize a different approach to send and receive classified documents by implementing certain security measures. But before sharing private documents, there are two facts that concern the person sharing the information.

First, how to share a document without prior changes to the original contents. Second, how to share the document without leaking any confidential information

Retaining Original Formatting of Classified Documents with PDF

Business companies usually share documents in Microsoft word format, because Microsoft Word software provide password protection. But merely utilizing password protection in MS Word is not sufficient to secure personal files. Moreover, When .doc or .docx(Microsoft Word file format) files are copied into another machine, the original format, alignment and fonts are automatically changed and the recipient has to manually modify the documents in order to revert the file into the same format that was selected before sharing the file. But all the editing and re-editing tasks are tedious and time consuming. To save the users from the prolonged tasks, users can utilize the PDF format. However, creating and editing the PDF format require the presence of a PDF editor software. The Operating Systems do not provide a default conventional PDF software. Therefore, you have to either use a PDF converter software to convert Microsoft Word into PDF or you have to download and install a PDF editor.

PDF Security

In Addition to preserve original file format and layout, PDF format is loaded with a password protection and digital signature capabilities. PDF provide ability to restrict certain users from editing, copying or printing the documents. Majority of the organizations have implemented PDF as a default file sharing format. Even legal professionals trust and prefer using PDF format for securing classified information.

WinRAR Security

WinRAR is designed for archiving or delivering files. It also provide password protection feature along with file encryption in order to forbid unauthorized access to the documents, but the security of the WinRAR is not considered as strong as the PDF format. There are certain commands that can be used to crack the winRAR documents through Command Prompt. But WinRAR can be used to add additional security layer in PDF files. So that it becomes more difficult for unauthorized users to steal classified information.

Multi-Layered Security with PDF and WinRAR

To create a secure PDF file, user either require to use a PDF editor or they need to utilize a PDF converter to convert other formats into PDF. Since windows OS do not have a default PDF editor software, you have to download and install a PDF converter or PDF editor with password protection and digital signature feature. Windows OS might not have an advanced PDF editor to set password protection, but if you possess a PDF converter software without a password protection feature, then you can add password protection in PDF files by utilizing Microsoft Word program. After integrating password protection in PDF files, we can simply add it in WinRaR attachment and increment another layer of WinRaR password.

Majority of the computer users use emails to send and receive private documents, but during the process of email sharing, any person possessing DNS hacking skills can easily intercept the emails. Furthermore, it is not even complicated to crack into someone’s email account. However, if you wish to secure confidential files shared via emails, then you can add the contents of your email contents into PDF document and add two layered password protection with PDF and WinRaR.