How do I password protect a PDF file?

Question:

How do I password protect a PDF file?

Answer:

When sending any sensitive data through e-mail, including PDF files, make sure to password protect or encrypt that information. Although this can be done in Adobe Acrobat, below are steps on how to create a password protected PDF that prompts for a password without having to purchase a program.

1. Download and install PrimoPDF, a free PDF creator.
2. Open the document or picture you wish to create password protected PDF for.
3. Print the file. In the print wizard change the printer name from your printer to "PrimoPDF" and click Ok to start the PDF creation process.
4. In PrimoPDF as shown in the below picture, select the quality of file, we suggest either "Print" or "Prepress" and then click the Change button for PDF Security.
5. In the Password Security window check the box for "Require a password to open the document" and enter the password you wish to use and click Ok.
6. Finally, click the Create PDF button to create the password protected PDF.