Ongoing - Important Security Notice: Adobe Digital Editions
We have recently been notified that Adobe Digital Editions 4 Reader, software used to read ebooks downloaded from the Mount Library’s collections, has been logging data on the books used with this application (and possibly other ebooks already downloaded on the devices of users) and sending the information in an unencrypted form to Adobe servers. This poses a security risk since unencrypted data may be open to interception.
Adobe Digital Editions is the most commonly used desktop application for accessing ebooks that contain Adobe’s digital rights management (DRM) software. The Adobe DRM is used by many booksellers and online library lending services such as EBL, ebrary, and EBSCO.
You do not need to download ebooks using Adobe Digital Editions to use them effectively; you can continue to read them online. You may receive a message that the time period for viewing an ebook has elapsed, prompting you to create a loan. You can do so, as this does not invoke Adobe Digital Editions. One advantage to reading ebooks online is that any notes you make while reading will persist, and will be available to you at any time. Ask us how.
If you have an iOS or Android device, use a tablet-based reader app such as BluefireReader. These apps can unlock ebooks protected with the Adobe DRM but do not communicate reading data to Adobe.
If you have concerns about the operation of the new Adobe Digital Editions, you may wish to:
•Uninstall the Adobe Digital Editions 4 Reader if you have downloaded this version of the software on your computer or device.
•Use older versions of Adobe Digital Editions, which do not communicate with Adobe except to validate the license to unlock the DRM protected book. Previous versions are available at: http://www.adobe.com/support/digitaleditions/downloads.html
Our ebook resources page will be updated to make users aware their reading options. Members of our consortium, Novanet, are also expressing concern to vendors about the behaviour of the Adobe Digital Editions 4 Reader.
If you have concerns please contact Tanja Harrison, University Librarian, at 902-457-6108 or tanja.harrison@msvu.ca