Read-Once pdfs

April 25, 2007 4:57 PM

Is it possible to create a pdf file that can only be opened once?

I am using Acrobat Professional 7.0. I would like to create a pdf that, once opened, cannot be opened a second time. I've gotten pdf files that can only be opened once, but would like to know how to create them.

posted by archimago to computers & internet (3 comments total)

I think the answer is no. Your followup suggests otherwise, but I have never seen a Mission Impossible PDF.
posted by megatherium at 5:47 PM on April 25, 2007

Haven't had too much experience with the product but I believe Adobe Lifecycle Server is capable of applying restriction policies as to who can open a file, and when (i.e. user x can open this file between these hours on this date) - but not sure it allows policies on the number of times the file is opened. You can also use Adobe's online Create PDF service to do the same. There are also a bundle of non-Adobe Digital Rights Management (DRM) PDF products out there.

Just as an aside (and in case you are handling *really* super-duper sensitive information), I wouldn't consider "open once" an effective security control (at least not without control of the environment that the file is opened in). Having had to test similar DRM systems before (and without specifically commenting on any one product), they can often be circumvented by:

1. Taking screenshots of the file while it is open and using a good OCR system to recreate it (even where the DRM program tires to disable the screen capture feature - using VNC or similar to take the screen capture works a treat)

2. Self-destructing/modifying files can sometimes be tricked if they are opened from a read-only media (like CD-R)

3. Copying the file before opening it/setting dates and times back on system/restricting access to the DRM server for some DRM implementations/opening the file on a older version of the document client or an alternate OS etc

4. For the hardcore accessing and copying the file content will it is open and in memory, or spoofing the DRM server

Not quite the info you wanted....but hopefully someone else with better Acrobat/PDF skills can comment.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 5:59 PM on April 25, 2007 [2 favorites]

No
posted by blue_beetle at 9:21 PM on April 25, 2007