For SMARTFENSE to correctly log the opening of PDF files in USB DROP simulations, it is necessary to configure Adobe Acrobat Reader with the Protected View disabled option.
Required Configuration in Adobe Acrobat Reader
To ensure the opening of the file is logged:
- Open Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Go to Menu > Preferences > Security (Enhanced)
- In the Protected View option, select:
"Off"
| Note: This is the default setting in the application installation. |
Why is this configuration necessary?
Simulation files require communication with the client instance to log the opening action.
If Protected View is enabled:
- This communication is blocked
- The opening is not logged in the campaign audit
Behaviors according to configuration
Protected View enabled (Files from potentially unsafe locations)
- A Security Warning is displayed, with the URL of the client instance because it is the address to which requests will be sent to log the opening actions
- Then a second alert may appear
- The opening is not logged in the Audit
Protected View enabled (All files)
- Initial warnings are not shown
- A yellow alert is shown in the header
- The opening is not logged
Protected View disabled
- The file opens without restrictions
- Communication with the platform is allowed
- The opening is correctly logged in the campaign Audit
Considerations
- This behavior depends on the Adobe Acrobat Reader configuration
- It is not a platform error
- Warnings may include the URL of the client instance, as it is the logging destination
💡 Best Practices
- Validate Adobe settings before conducting USB DROP campaigns
- Conduct tests with users before mass sending
- Inform IT teams about this requirement