In today’s digital age, the security of sensitive data is more at risk than ever before. The consequences of attacks can be seen on the news regularly. No one is immune – professionals in accounting, HR, law, and many other fields are all potential targets and there is one thing they all share: PDF files. They are everywhere and everyone uses them. In this article, we will explore the critical aspects of IT security related to these actions and guide you to secure and efficient solutions for PDF modifications.
Viruses
The most common way to get a virus is to download it yourself. While it might seem simple to avoid, it can be trickier than you think. For example: you want to sign a PDF file, so you Google and then download the first PDF modification tool you can find. Chances are that you just downloaded a virus. Why? Hackers often take well known tools on the internet, add their virus to the download file and then give them away for free to reach many users.
Installed software has a wide range of permissions on your PC. Even if it does not upload your PDF files directly to some web server – the software is able to execute tasks in the background and even lock the PC with some ransomware.
Online Threads
Another way of signing PDFs would be to use an Online-Tool. But which one should you choose? There are plenty of options available on the web. Most of them have one thing in common: You have to upload your PDF file and your signature to sign it, exposing that information to an unknown server.
What are the dangers?
- Uploading Sensitive Documents: When you use an online PDF editor, your document has to be uploaded to a remote This opens the possibility for data breaches or misuse.
- Storage and Deletion Policies: Does the platform delete your files once you’re done editing?
It’s a matter of trust. If not correctly deleted, sensitive information could be left exposed.
- Data Misuse: Free tools often come with a hidden cost — your personal Some services might poorly store, sell, or process your data without your explicit consent.
- Upload and Download Speed: Web-based tools are subject to internet speed
Slow upload or download speeds can hamper your productivity.
Building on the concerns surrounding online PDF editors, it becomes even more evident when considering specific tasks like secure PDF encryption and fast PDF merging. Encrypting sensitive documents online means that your private information, which you’re actively trying to protect, has to pass through and potentially be stored on an external server. Similarly, when merging multiple files online, you’re essentially bundling various data points into one location, increasing the risk if there’s any breach.
Solution
So, if you’re concerned about the potential risks associated with online PDF editors, you might be wondering what safe alternatives are. The main point is to get rid of the need for file uploads.
Uploading documents always carries the inherent risk of exposing your valuable data to potential threats.
This is precisely why we’ve taken a unique approach with our privacy-focused PDF modification tool, which we’ve aptly named PDFTool. It’s accessible through the official website, https://www.pdftool.org, and is designed with your data security in mind. With PDFTool, there’s no need to upload your files to external servers, ensuring that your confidential documents and sensitive information remain secure at all times. Our website offers a set of tools that are commonly used in the PDF space. All data is processed locally. You can even go offline after loading the specific tool. Jump in, the experience might surprise you.
