Safe PDF Merging: How to Protect Your Data

We’ve all done it. You need to combine two sensitive documents (like tax returns or medical records), so you Google “merge pdf free” and upload them to the first site you see. But is that safe?

The Risks of Online Mergers

When you use a free online tool, you are uploading your file to someone else’s server.

• Data Harvesting: Some shady sites might scan your documents for data.
• Data Breaches: Even honest sites can get hacked.
• Retention Policies: Does the site delete your file immediately, or keep it for 24 hours?

How to Merge Safely

1. Use Offline Tools: The safest file is one that never leaves your computer. Use Preview (Mac) or PDFsam (Windows).
2. Check the Privacy Policy: Look for “GDPR Compliant” and “Files deleted after 1 hour”.
3. Use Trusted Brands: Stick to well-known names like Adobe, Smallpdf, or iLovePDF. Avoid “FreePDFMerger123.com”.

Enterprise Security

For businesses, “free online tools” should be banned. You need a solution that processes files in your own cloud or a secure, SOC2-compliant environment.

Conclusion

Convenience shouldn’t cost you your privacy. Be mindful of what you upload, and when in doubt, do it offline.

Need enterprise-grade security? Discover how MergeCanvas processes data securely with strict retention policies. Start your free trial today.