Block Javascript in Adobe Acrobat

Simple how-to instructions for blocking Javascript in Adobe Acrobat Reader in Windows, Linux, and Mac systems.

Reducing the attack surface in Adobe reader is an important step in reducing malware attacks. The vast majority of all PDFs do not contain Javascript, but Javascript-embedded PDF files is a well known method used to attempt to compromise end user systems. This can occur in phishing scams where e-mail messages contain infected PDF files, or links point to infected PDF files hosted on web sites.

Adobe Reader on Mac. Click for full size image.

Here is how to block Javascript in Adobe Acrobat 10 for Mac. Go to Acrobat > Preferences > Javascript and uncheck Enable Acrobat Javascript.  Then click OK.

Similarly, in Adobe Reader X on Windows, go to Edit > Preferences > Javascript and uncheck the Enable Acrobat Javascript, then click OK.

Likewise, for Adobe Reader 9 on Linux, go to File > Properties > Javascript and uncheck Enable Acrobat Javascript, then click OK.

Adobe Reader on windows. Click for full size image.

Click the thumbnails to view screen shots for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Adobe Reader in Linux. Click for full size image.