Extract unlocks PDF - How can I secure without a password?

[La-Marie]

I lock the final PDF that I create using File>Save as Other>Reader Extended PDF>Enable more tools.

I thought this was a secure way to lock my forms from being edited. However, I just realized today that when a page is extracted it can then be edited. Words can be added, it even has all the fields with custom JavaScript that can now be edited.

I am very disappointed to find this. How can I lock a form without a password and have the file secure?

Thank you for any suggestions.

I use Adobe Acrobat 2017

[try67 · Accepted solution]

The "Enable More Tools" command doesn't apply any kind of protection. In

fact, it does the opposite, it allows users of the older versions of the

free Reader to edit your file.

If you want to lock your file (without applying a password-protected

security policy) you should digitally sign it.

[La-Marie]

Thank you for your answer.

Will that allow the user to use all the features in a fillable PDF? Including a submit button?

[try67]

Yes, if you don't set the digital signature field to lock the fields.

[La-Marie]

Thank you but I just tested your suggestion and it does not work.

While at first a pop-up about the digital signature is given when trying to edit; I am still able to extract the page and then edit the text and fields in the extracted PDF.

[try67]

Sure, you can do that, but the extracted pages will not be signed so you will know they were manipulated.