Understanding PDF Encryption
PDF security isn't just about a password; it's about encryption algorithms. When you lock a PDF with RiseConvert, the entire file body (objects, streams, and cross-reference tables) is scrambled using the AES-256 algorithm.
The "key" to unscramble this mess is derived from your password using a complex hashing function (SHA-256) iterated thousands of times. This makes "brute-force" attacks (trying every password) computationally infeasible. Additionally, the permissions system allows the file to be readable by anyone but restricts specific operations like modifying the text or extracting images, enforcing digital rights management directly within the file syntax.
