3 Techniques for securing and Lock CAD files

3 Techniques for securing and Lock CAD files

When it comes to securing CAD drawings internally or via third parties, there are a number of options available, including password protection, using DXF format or exporting to PDF, and using Information Rights Management solutions.To get more news about cad file download, you can visit shine news official website.

1. Password Protection

As the name implies, this involves adding passwords to your CAD files so that only the intended recipient will have access to the file.
If there’s a security breach as cybercriminals are able to get hold of the file, they are still posed with the challenge of finding the right password to open the file.Passwords are virtually the easiest and most fundamental approach toward drawings protection regardless of the file format or software used in creating the CAD files.

Some CAD tools has the option of protect or lock a DWG file through a password, but not all of them. Beginning with AutoCAD 2016-based products, the ability to add passwords to drawing files was removed. Instead, Autodesk recommends that you purchase an encryption product. Anyway, you can use a .zip/.rar tool to compress a DWG file with a password.
While passwords are effective for protecting your files from unauthorized access, they do not offer any protection once the file is opened. The recipient has total control over the file and can choose to use the drawings or designs without permission. In fact, they may simply modify the design by adding some elements of uniqueness and then publish it under their name. Thus, the concept of theft isn’t entirely eliminated by relying on passwords, particularly since statistics show that employees often steal intellectual property.

2. Using other Formats

A second way to protect and lock from editing CAD files is to convert them to DXF, DWF or DWFx formats. These are much better formats that allow the recipient to access the content of the file via a password but don’t give them the ability to edit or modify the content.

Thus, when it’s required to share files with collaborators and work collectively with a team of professionals, using any of these formats is far safer for a company than merely passwording the CAD files.

When team members or employees need to review, redline, or markup, the design, they can easily use a free software called Design Review. The Design Review software is only required when extra action needs to be taken. But to merely view the content, an internet explorer would suffice.

Furthermore, PDF is another format you can convert a CAD file to for extra protection and lock it against unauthorized access. PDF gives you more flexibility while allowing you to password and protect your designs.

3. Using Information Rights Management solutions
Another highly effective option for securing your CAD files is using third-party software security solutions such as Information Rights Management (IRM) or Enterprise Digital Rights Management (E-DRM). It’s important to use a reliable and efficient security software that guarantees peace of mind and optimal protection. Hence, the introduction of SealPath.