--- title: Obfuscation or Encryption for Document Security? description: Obfuscation or Encryption for Document Security? image: https://www.vitrium.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/httppictures_brafton_comliveimagesLack-of-encryption-major-factor-in-Utah-Medicaid-data-breach-CIO-reveals-_16000937_800781798_0_0_14054458_3001.jpg --- Search Results for: * * Search ** [Content Title](https://www.vitrium.com/blog/document-security-protection-drm-blog/obfuscation-or-encryption-for-document-security#) Description More Results - [Share this blog post on Facebook ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.vitrium.com/blog/document-security-protection-drm-blog/obfuscation-or-encryption-for-document-security) - [Share this post on X ](https://x.com/intent/post?original_referer=https://www.vitrium.com/blog/document-security-protection-drm-blog/obfuscation-or-encryption-for-document-security&url=https://www.vitrium.com/blog/document-security-protection-drm-blog/obfuscation-or-encryption-for-document-security&source=tweetbutton&text=Obfuscation%20or%20Encryption%20for%20Document%20Security) - [Share this blog post on LinkedIn ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.vitrium.com/blog/document-security-protection-drm-blog/obfuscation-or-encryption-for-document-security) We just [recently included 128-bit military grade encryption](https://www.vitrium.com/document-security-protection-drm-news-pr/vitrium-releases-strong-256-bit-encryption-document-drm-for-mobile-users/) in Protectedpdf®’s suite of document security features, in addition to our long-standing obfuscation method of digital rights management. You may be wondering what is the difference between these two security techniques. While each has its own benefits, they also serve different needs. Most organizations are likely going to find one more applicable than the other. ### What’s the Difference? Obfuscation, also referred to as beclouding, is to hide the intended meaning of the contents of a file, making it ambiguous, confusing to read, and hard to interpret. Encryption is to actually transform the contents of the file, making it unreadable to anyone unless they apply a special key. Encryption ensures that the file remains secure by keeping the content hidden from everyone, even if the encrypted information is viewed directly. If an authorized user does have the key, they can decrypt the file, changing the encrypted content back to its original, readable form. Obfuscated data, does not require a key and can be deciphered if the original algorithm applied is known. All you need is a decoder ring and you’ll be able to read the secret message (*“Be sure to drink your Ovaltine”*). With encryption, on the other hand, even if you know the algorithm and have a decoder ring, you will still need a secret key to decrypt the message. ### Which to Use? Obfuscation works well for complicated files and programs and is typically used to prevent piracy and make sure files or programs are being used in a proprietary manner. Obfuscation involves a separate program that need to be packaged with a file or executable item to protect them from unauthorized use. Obfuscation works by masking what a file or program is doing so that users cannot see or manipulate the code. Files protected with obfuscation don’t need to be accessed with any other plug-ins or executable files, making it seamless for the end user. It’s important to maintain the DRM program with the latest software updates. There is always the possibility that someone could find a way to break through and information is left vulnerable. For this, software engineers are always coming up with new and innovative ways to rewrite portions of such DRM programs to make them even more effective against exterior threats. Encryption and other types of document protection are important for organizations that deal with extremely sensitive materials and must meet strict compliance or governance obligations. It is especially critical with confidential information that might travel outside of the perimeter, or be synced to cloud-based file sharing services. Encryption encodes files and requires a key to reintegrate the pieces back into an intelligible whole. **[Request a demo](https://www.vitrium.com/demo/) with someone from our team to talk about which method would work best for your organization.** About the author #### **Susan Daly** ## Read more like this ![Why Standards Development Organizations Need to Use DRM Software](https://www.vitrium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DRM%20for%20associations%20and%20standards%20%282%29.png?width=362&name=DRM%20for%20associations%20and%20standards%20%282%29.png) ### [**Why Standards Development Organizations Need to Use DRM Software**](https://www.vitrium.com/blog/drm-for-standards-development-organizations) The IP contained within standards is valuable, it needs to be protected. SDOs must recognize the importance of DRM software to safeguard content. ![5 Common Misconceptions of Digital Rights Management](https://www.vitrium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202020-11-16%20at%2010.56.23%20AM.png?width=362&name=Screen%20Shot%202020-11-16%20at%2010.56.23%20AM.png) ### [**5 Common Misconceptions of Digital Rights Management**](https://www.vitrium.com/blog/5-common-misconceptions-drm) We outlined the 5 most common misconceptions of DRM to help you better understand the process of content protection and distribution. ![Production company revamps document protection resources](https://www.vitrium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Theme2022/images/default-featured-image.jpg?width=362&name=default-featured-image.jpg) ### [**Production company revamps document protection resources**](https://www.vitrium.com/blog/document-security-protection-drm-news-pr/production-company-revamps-document-protection-resources) HIT Entertainment, the independent producer of popular children's television programs Barney and Bob the Builder, recently announced that it has deployed a document protection solution. ![Why DRM Protected Content Should Be a Priority](https://www.vitrium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adding-drm-to-vdr-1.jpg?width=362&name=adding-drm-to-vdr-1.jpg) ### [**Why DRM Protected Content Should Be a Priority**](https://www.vitrium.com/blog/drm-protected-content-priority) By prioritizing DRM protected content, organizations can fortify digital assets and ensure their valuable information remains secure. ![Why Training Organizations Need DRM Software to Protect Their IP](https://www.vitrium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Training%20Organizations.png?width=362&name=Training%20Organizations.png) ### [**Why Training Organizations Need DRM Software to Protect Their IP**](https://www.vitrium.com/blog/why-training-organizations-need-drm-software) Safeguarding intellectual property is crucial for training organizations. 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