What is CAD Security?
CAD security, also referred to as CAD file security or CAD protection, refers to the protection of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files and related intellectual property (IP) from unauthorized access, misuse, leakage, or tampering. CAD files often contain highly sensitive product designs, engineering schematics, prototypes, or proprietary blueprints, making them prime targets for theft, industrial espionage, and insider threats.
Because CAD files are shared across internal teams, external vendors, manufacturing partners, and global supply chains, securing them throughout their lifecycle is essential for innovation, competitiveness, and compliance.
To learn more, read How to Protect CAD Files and Workflows Against IP Theft.
Why CAD Security Matters
CAD files are not just drawings – they represent the core intellectual property (IP) of organizations in industries like:
- Aerospace & Defense
- Architecture & Construction
- Manufacturing & Engineering
- Automotive
- Industrial Equipment
- Consumer Electronics
Losing control of CAD files can lead to:
- IP theft and counterfeiting
- Uncontrolled sharing with third parties
- Regulatory violations (e.g., GDPR, ITAR)
- Supply chain compromise
- Loss of competitive edge
Common Threats to CAD Files
- Unauthorized downloads and duplication
- Email or cloud sharing without approval
- Insider threats – intentional or accidental leaks
- Malware or ransomware targeting shared repositories
- Collaboration with untrusted external vendors
- Storing unencrypted CAD files on local devices or USBs
CAD files are often large, complex, and generated in niche formats (e.g., DWG, DXF, CATIA, SolidWorks), making traditional data loss prevention tools insufficient.
Key Elements of Effective CAD Security
- Persistent file-level encryption
- Access control based on user, role, location, and device
- Audit trails for every open, edit, print, or share action
- Support for native CAD file formats
- Policy enforcement across internal and external environments
- Integration with design workflows and PLM systems
How Fasoo Secures CAD Files
Fasoo provides data-centric security solutions that protect CAD files wherever they go – without disrupting design or collaboration workflows.
- Encrypt CAD files and applies persistent access controls, even after they are downloaded or shared externally
- Allow access based on identity, device, and location
- Log all activities – open, edit, print, screenshot, etc. – for compliance and investigation
- Support major CAD formats and work in tandem with PLM and file-sharing platforms
- Enable secure external collaboration on CAD files with full control
- View files through a secure web viewer
- Apply dynamic watermarks and file expiration
- Ideal for working with contractors, manufacturers, or global design partners using BYOD
Together, FED and Wrapsody eCo allow organizations to maintain complete visibility, security, and control, over their CAD assets – across any device, user, or geographic location.
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Fasoo Enterprise DRM
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