Apple native Preview PDF Reader using encryption?

[iphonefreak450]

Hi everyone,

I’m using the native Apple Preview PDF app to encrypt my sensitive files using the PDF format or the Pages app to export to PDF function and then from there encrypt the PDF file once it’s converted from the Pages app.

Question is, are the PDF files encrypted with AES128 or some other older weaker encryption method?

I wish there were a section on MacOS security topics/discussions here on MacRumors.

 

[NoBoMac]

Preview generates v1.6 PDFs when encrypted. Per Adobe, 1.6 uses AES-128.

Securing PDFs with passwords

Follow these steps to limit access to a PDF by setting passwords and by restricting certain features, such as printing and editing, in Adobe Acrobat.

helpx.adobe.com

 

[benwiggy]

It has to be said that tools to unlock PDF encryption are readily available. You'd be better off making sure that access to your files is secured by passwords -- e.g. at boot; on the lock screen; with an encrypted disk or disk image.

 

[iphonefreak450]

Then I will just create an encrypted disk image and store files in there.

My other question in regards to encrypted DMG disk images, how should I format it? With APFS or MacOS Extended Journalized?