How to Lock a Google Doc: Prevent Editing, Copying, and Sharing with VeryPDF DRM Protector?

Google Docs is an exceptional platform for collaboration, enabling teams to work together seamlessly in real time. However, when the collaboration ends, safeguarding the document’s content becomes crucial. Businesses and individuals often struggle to lock Google Docs securely against unauthorized editing, copying, or sharing. This article explores why Google Docs’ in-built security features are inadequate and introduces VeryPDF DRM Protector as a robust solution for document protection.

The Limitations of Google Docs’ Built-in Restrictions

Google Docs offers basic security measures to restrict editing and sharing:

Viewer or Commenter Permissions: Granting these roles prevents users from downloading, printing, and copying the document.
Activity Dashboard: Tracks who has viewed the document and their activities.

Unfortunately, these restrictions are easily bypassed. Users can disable JavaScript or switch to Google Docs’ mobile version to copy, print, or download the document. Additionally, users can opt out of activity tracking, rendering the dashboard ineffective.

This means Google Docs’ native tools offer only superficial protection, leaving sensitive information vulnerable. To ensure real security, using an external DRM solution like VeryPDF DRM Protector is essential.

Securely Locking Google Docs with VeryPDF DRM Protector

VeryPDF DRM Protector provides advanced encryption and document control features, enabling you to securely lock your Google Docs and prevent unauthorized access. Here’s how:

Step 1: Convert Your Google Doc to a PDF

Open your Google Doc.
Navigate to File > Download > PDF Document to save it as a PDF.

Step 2: Apply DRM Protection

Upload PDF file to https://drm.verypdf.com/online/ and select Make Secure PDF.
Configure your desired restrictions:
- Disable editing, copying, and printing.
- Add dynamic watermarks to identify users.
- Set expiration dates or limit the number of views.
Click Publish to encrypt the PDF and apply DRM controls.

Step 3: Distribute Securely

Upload the protected PDF to Google Drive or share it via email. Only authorized users with a matching license file installed on their devices can access the document using the VeryPDF Viewer application. This ensures the file remains secure even if shared inadvertently.

Tracking Document Views and Usage

Unlike Google Docs’ Activity Dashboard, VeryPDF DRM Protector provides comprehensive tracking that cannot be bypassed. Administrators can log:

Every document view and print action.
Details of who accessed the document and when.
Trends in document usage.

To enable tracking:

Open the protected PDF in the Safeguard Admin system.
Enable logging for views and print requests.
View detailed user activity reports for complete oversight.

Preventing Unauthorized Sharing

With Google Docs, preventing unauthorized sharing is challenging. Users can share links or account credentials, bypassing restrictions. VeryPDF DRM Protector eliminates this risk by:

Encrypting files with AES 256-bit encryption.
Binding access to specific devices using license files.
Disabling screenshots, copying, and printing by default.

To prevent sharing:

Open the Environment Controls tab in the DRM settings.
Enable options to block screenshots and unauthorized device access.
Apply watermarks to identify users who attempt to capture content visually.

Using VeryPDF DRM Protector Web Viewer

For users who rely on browser-based tools, VeryPDF DRM Protector offers a secure web viewer. While slightly less secure than the desktop application, it still provides features like:

Document expiration by date or view count.
Dynamic watermarks for identification.
Blocking copy-paste and disabling printing.

Publishing to the web viewer is straightforward, and users can access their documents through a secure online portal.

Why Choose VeryPDF DRM Protector?

Google Docs’ in-built tools fall short for businesses handling sensitive or confidential information. VeryPDF DRM Protector bridges this gap, providing robust security without compromising usability. Key benefits include:

Comprehensive Control: Lock documents from editing, copying, printing, and sharing.
Advanced Encryption: AES 256-bit encryption ensures files remain secure.
User Tracking: Monitor document views and prints without user opt-out.
Cross-Platform Support: Securely distribute documents across multiple platforms.

Try VeryPDF DRM Protector for Free

Secure your Google Docs today with VeryPDF DRM Protector. Experience its powerful features with a free online trial at https://drm.verypdf.com/online/. Take control of your documents and ensure your sensitive information remains protected.