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PDF decryption
Restriction on PDF translation
When source file has been saved in PDF format, the author can establish some restrictions on further using of PDF file. Such file is called encrypted. By default, PostScript-driver does not establish any restrictions, therefore majority of PDF files permit any operations (hard-copy printing, saving in other format, copying, editing, etc.). Translational agencies always send unencrypted PDF files to translators, but the staff translator or the translator working with the individual customer can be faced with encrypted file.
Ethical problem of decryption
There are programs for eliminate the restrictions installed by the author in PDF file. Of course, such utilities are called not as �hacking/cracking programs� but programs for �restoration of forgotten or lost passwords�. However many of such utilities do not inform about found out password at all, and simply delete all restrictions in PDF file.
Developers of these programs do not responsible for their application using, as rifle manufacturer is not responsible for murder of people. So the liability for �password restoration� (simply speaking, for disabling of all restrictions in PDF file) is laid down on the translator and its customer.
Decision for this ethical problem correct in every aspect is an inquiry to the author of translated PDF document or to the company owning the copyright. The evident and explicit permission for translation will allow freely decrypting the file if the author has no time to send the unencrypted version.
However the permission for decrypting and translation can be implicit. For example, the Russian company has the distribution agreement with one foreign company, and the technical or marketing documentation needs to be urgently translated into Russian. I think, additional coordination is not required in this case, as all PDF files have been offered by the foreign company and their translation into Russian was agreed in advance. Waiting of the explicit permission or unencrypted versions of files will lead only to waste time, but time is very important for business.
So, there are quite lawful reasons for using not quite legal software, which canceling restrictions in PDF files. If there are any doubts in legality of such operation, nothing prevents the translator to inform the owner of the copyright about this incident, just after operation is executed.
Viewing restrictions in PDF file
Adobe Acrobat (we will review Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional as current version at the time of writing) provides a complete set of access and use controls through its security functions. User can control who can open and view PDF files as well as who can edit and output them with varying levels of permissions. PDFs also offer digital signature capabilities for document tracking and authorization.
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To get more specifics on the permissions, click the Show Details button. A window labeled Document Security appears. Here you see, for example, that while printing is allowed, it is allowed only at low resolution.
If you would like to change the Security settings and have access to do so, click the Change Settings button. This isn't always possible, however.
There are also Security Settings on the Advanced menu, but these parameters do not affect in any way the operations needed for the document translation.
Removing restrictions
Adobe constantly improves document�s protection system, therefore some utilities well worked with old versions, become useless for new versions. For example, the well-known in the past Advanced PDF Password Recovery Pro does not work with files created in Adobe Acrobat 6.0 and above.
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