The reason is simple: emails typically contain sensitive information, and therefore they must be kept private. Many businesses and individuals are aware of the importance of being able to secure the content that an email conveys. However, many overlook an equally important aspect: the attachment to an email. The most sensitive information isn’t within your email’s content but inside the attachment. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that your attachments are protected with high-end security.
This is particularly applicable to PDF files that typically contain sensitive information like intellectual property reports, confidential documents or contracts, scans that identify, identity documents, bank statements, as well as tax forms. If your email is found on the wrong side of the law, or your file is downloaded to unsecure servers your most valuable information could be in danger.
Pincha aquí for the most basic security of email every user should take basic steps like secure passwords as well as 2-Factor authentication. Take a look at our guide to getting started, 5 Steps to Secure Gmail, for more information.
Why you should encrypt your PDF Files PDF Files
Of course, for sensitive data stored in PDF files, standard security isn’t sufficient. Information that is sensitive, from personal identifiable information as well as secret trade information–needs the most advanced degree of safety. That’s why you need the encryption method, to encrypt data. This renders it inaccessible without the correct decryption keys.
In the past, encryption has been costly and difficult, frequently having a negative impact on productivity and ability to share sensitive information, like PDF attachments. However, as technology improves it is now possible to find an simpler and less costly method to secure the PDF file, as well as any other format of file you might want to attach in your emails. With the latest encryption services like Virtru There’s no need to juggle a number with encryption keys and certificates and no need to bother the recipient about setting the up of PGP and S/MIME. It’s as easy as flipping the switch to secure your email messages.
Read our Complete guide to Google Mail Encryption For more information.
How to Secure the PDF File within Gmail
The encryption technology is world-class in terms of security for email However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that there are distinct levels can be used.
TLS (transport layer security) is a kind of encryption that provides basic security. Many email providers, such as Gmail secure their entire network by using TLS encryption. In essence, TLS puts up strong barriers around the server of the provider. Yet, TLS doesn’t provide complete security. Emails that aren’t on the server, or attachments that aren’t part of it aren’t secure, which means it won’t actually secure the PDF file that is linked to your email.
The next layer of security will be the end-to-end encryption. This safeguards your emails from point to point, which means that no matter where the emails are sent they’re secure. If you send an attachment that’s encrypted from beginning to end, the file is transformed into a format inaccessible without a digital key. The recipient will then be able to read and decrypt the attachment. So, anyone trying to steal the file along the way won’t be able to read the encrypted information.
The Ultimate Protection: Secure PDF files with persistent Security
End-to end encryption is a highly effective method to protect Gmail attachments as well as messages. The service just received an upgrade that is significant: Persistent File Protection for Gmail users, which encrypts your attachments once they’ve been downloaded, or transferred. The feature protects the PDF file and guarantees that it is only open in the Virtru Secure Reader, enabling you to keep track of the file, which location it’s stored in and who can access it.
Persistent File Protection can encrypt any PDF file forever regardless of the location it’s taken to even if it’s stored offline. Additionally, it applies not just to PDFs: Persistent File Protectioncan secure all commonly used formats of files, such as the PDF format, Microsoft Office files, .png, .jpg and .txt by using encryption that is end-to-end.
Users of Virtru can also take advantage of security features that enhance permanent protection, such as the PDF watermarking. Watermarking permits Gmail senders to create individual watermarks for every encrypted PDF attachment they send to their recipient’s email address by adjusting a switch within the Virtru toolbar. Watermarks offer a permanent control as well as individual tracking of sensitive documents. It is also possible to implement access restrictions, such as email expiration dates, or revoke access, which increases the security provided by encryption.
It doesn’t matter if seeking to encrypt just your personal email before you send it or if you require an enterprise-ready encryption solution. In any case, Virtru has you covered with innovative features like Permanent File Protection, so you are assured that your information will not be viewed by anyone with unauthorised eyes.
Are you interested in learning more about this revolutionary solution? Watch our webcast about the way that persistent File Protection works — and why it’s important.
