Fix Cryptographic System General Failure in Acrobat on Mac
Question details
The user encounters a cryptographic system error when trying to secure a PDF file with a password or a digital certificate signature.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Adding password protection or applying a digital signature to a PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat displays a 'Cryptographic System General Failure' error message and prevents the security settings from being successfully applied to the PDF.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection to download any necessary software updates, and save a backup copy of your PDF document to avoid data loss during troubleshooting.
Update Adobe Acrobat and Restart Mac
Installing the latest patches often resolves underlying cryptographic and certificate handling bugs in Acrobat on macOS.
Launch the Adobe Acrobat application on your Mac where the error occurs.
Navigate to the top menu bar, click on the 'Help' menu, and select 'Check for Updates' from the drop-down list.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install any available updates. Once completed, restart your Mac and try applying the password or signature again.
Verify Your Chosen Security Method
Ensuring you are using the correct pathway for password protection or digital signatures can sometimes bypass the software conflict.
Easily Password-Protect and Sign PDFs using WPS Office
If Acrobat continues to display cryptographic errors on your Mac, WPS Office provides a highly compatible and lightweight PDF editor. You can easily add passwords, restrict permissions, and digitally sign your PDF documents without complex system errors.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you want to secure.
- 2. Navigate to the Protect tab: Click on the 'Protect' tab located on the top ribbon menu to access the security tools.
- 3. Encrypt the document: Click on 'Encrypt' to set a document open password or restrict editing and printing permissions.
- 4. Sign the PDF: To digitally sign the document, click 'Sign' under the 'Protect' tab, and create or import your signature.
- 5. Save changes: Click 'Save' or press Cmd+S to securely apply your password or signature to the PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat show a cryptographic system general failure on my Mac?
This error typically occurs due to outdated Acrobat software, conflicts with macOS Keychain certificates, or software bugs in how Acrobat handles digital IDs during the document encryption or signing process.
Does this cryptographic error affect both passwords and digital signatures?
Yes, the cryptographic general failure can occur during either process, as both rely on the underlying cryptographic modules in Adobe Acrobat and macOS to securely encrypt the PDF document.
How do I check my Acrobat version on a Mac?
Open Adobe Acrobat, click on 'Acrobat' in the top-left menu bar next to the Apple logo, and select 'About Adobe Acrobat'. A window will appear showing the specific dot version installed on your device.
Can I use another application to password-protect my PDF?
Yes, alternative PDF editors like WPS Office or the built-in macOS Preview application can be used to add password protection or digital signatures to your PDF files if Acrobat is failing.
