Blog: BORIS for SolidWorks - Secure Your CAD Designs

SolidWorks Security Features Overview | SolidWorks | Register and Certify IP of CAD design

2026-03-15 07:54 Guides
TL;DR: SolidWorks Security Features Overview

SolidWorks offers tailored security tools for protecting CAD designs, including two-factor authentication, version control, and best-in-class encryption. These features ensure intellectual property stays protected in remote work and collaborative environments. Industry leaders use these measures to avoid data breaches and safeguard prototypes.

💡 Explore best practices for an added layer of protection, check out the SolidWorks Security Enterprise Guide 2026 to keep your designs secure.

Introduction: Why SolidWorks Security Features Matter for Engineers

Have you ever wondered how your valuable CAD designs in SolidWorks are protected from unauthorized access or data breaches? As engineers and designers, we often overlook the importance of secure workflows until it's too late.
SolidWorks offers a plethora of security features designed to safeguard intellectual property, streamline collaboration, and ensure compliance. These features become important in a world where CAD designs are increasingly shared across distributed teams and third parties.
CES report states that over 67% of manufacturing firms reported incidents of intellectual property theft by 2025, leading to an average financial loss of €3.5M per breach.
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What Features Make SolidWorks Secure?

SolidWorks offers cutting-edge file security features that help engineers and their organizations protect intellectual property during design processes.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to confirm their identity with something they have (e.g., a device) or something they know (e.g., a password).
  • File Version Control: Keeps track of changes made to CAD files, ensuring only authorized users can access and modify them.
  • Encryption: Protects data in transit and at rest using AES-128 protocols, compatible with GDPR standards.
  • AI-Based Threat Detection: Flags unusual patterns such as unauthorized file access or abnormal login activity.
These features transform SolidWorks from simply being a design platform into a comprehensive tool that aligns with the core needs of intellectual property management in modern engineering workflows.

How Do Different Industries Use SolidWorks Security Features?

Manufacturing companies, automotive firms, and aerospace leaders all benefit from these robust security measures. Here's how this plays out:
  • In automotive design, encryption and version control prevent prototype data from leaking to competitors.
  • In 3D printing workflows, AI-based threat detection ensures STL and STEP files remain in certified hands.
  • In deep-tech startups, borrowing plugins like BORIS for blockchain certification bolsters intellectual property protection (learn more about SolidWorks Cloud Security).

SolidWorks PDM vs DRM: Which Should You Use?

Some engineers might confuse SolidWorks PDM (Product Data Management) with DRM (Digital Rights Management), but they serve complementary roles.
PDM: Facilitates internal team collaboration, file version control, and regulatory compliance. Read the detailed SolidWorks PDM Security Configuration Guide to fully understand its capabilities.
DRM: Adds security layers to files shared externally, ensuring controlled access, usage monitoring, and license compliance. When sharing designs with external contractors, this is your go-to solution for peace of mind.

SolidWorks in Remote Work: Addressing Virtual Security Risks

In Europe's regulatory landscape, GDPR compliance and remote work setups create unique challenges, especially for SMEs. SolidWorks security features like encryption and version control bridge these gaps effectively.
Remote design teams can confidently share CAD files knowing their content is protected from breaches. For step-by-step precautions tailored to virtual workflows, check out Protecting SolidWorks Files in Remote Work Environments.

Why Blockchain is the Future for CAD Security

Violetta Bonenkamp has repeatedly emphasized the value of blockchain technology in creating tamper-proof audit trails for SolidWorks CAD files. Her work with CADChain demonstrates the immense potential of this technology, where every file event becomes legally immutable.
Using blockchain plugins like BORIS not only secures your designs from IP theft but creates certificates of digital ownership. Engineers leveraging these tools benefit from legally defensible proofs should disputes arise. Dive deeper into collaboration risks SolidWorks addresses.
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Common Mistakes in CAD Security Practices

Mistakes in CAD security are often costly. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:
  • Overlooking encryption: Unencrypted file transfers expose your designs to theft.
  • Focusing only on internal security: External collaboration poses risks that unmanaged PDM systems can't address.
  • Ignoring regular updates: Outdated software leaves gaps for cyber threats to exploit.
  • Neglecting training: Engineers unaware of security features are likelier to mishandle sensitive files.
When in doubt, consult tools like BORIS for SolidWorks that proactively safeguard your designs across workflows.

Conclusion: Prepare for 2026 with Robust SolidWorks Security Features

SolidWorks users in 2026 face growing challenges in protecting CAD intellectual property amid global partnerships and regulatory complexities. Tools like encryption, PDM workflows, and blockchain-integrated plugins like BORIS make it achievable.
Going forward, consider reading about advanced practices in Building a CAD Security Program: Enterprise Playbook. It's time to elevate not just your designs but how you protect them.

People Also Ask:

What are the five features of security?

The five core features of security are Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, Authenticity, and Non-Repudiation. These principles guide the development of secure systems and are aligned with frameworks such as ISO 27001 and NIST's cybersecurity standards.

What are the different types of features in SOLIDWORKS?

SOLIDWORKS features can be divided into two categories: sketched and applied. Sketched features include extrusions, revolved shapes, sweeps, and lofts, which depend on sketch geometry. Applied features, such as fillets and chamfers, are added to enhance the 3D models.

What are the common security features?

Frequently used security features include Authentication, ensuring only authorized individuals access data, and Access Control, which specifies user permissions. Together, these ensure that sensitive information is both protected and appropriately accessible.

What are the security tools and controls?

Security tools and controls include firewalls, encryption, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and access controls. These automate the monitoring of cyber threats and safeguard systems against vulnerabilities.

How does SOLIDWORKS secure design data?

SOLIDWORKS secures design data through its PDM system by incorporating advanced encryption protocols, controlled user access, and data vaulting, ensuring intellectual property remains protected against unauthorized access.

What is SOLIDWORKS PDM?

SOLIDWORKS PDM (Product Data Management) is a system designed to manage product data through version control, secure storage, and team collaboration. It ensures that all files are accessible only to authorized users within a structured environment.

What are the benefits of cloud-based CAD storage?

Cloud-based CAD storage allows for secure file sharing, scalable storage solutions, and easy collaboration across teams. It ensures backups are regularly maintained and data is accessible from anywhere, enhancing flexibility.

Does SOLIDWORKS work with antivirus systems?

Yes, SOLIDWORKS is compatible with most antivirus systems. While its development team does not validate every antivirus platform, major applications are regularly tested to ensure smooth operation without incompatibility issues.

What encryption standards does SOLIDWORKS PDM support?

SOLIDWORKS PDM supports modern encryption standards to protect the data vaults from external threats. These include industry-recognized encryption protocols for safeguarding user data effectively against breaches.

How does SOLIDWORKS handle user access?

SOLIDWORKS uses role-based access control mechanisms. This setup ensures that users can only access or modify files based on permissions granted to their specific roles, maintaining data security and consistency.

FAQ on SolidWorks Security Features for Engineers

How does SolidWorks integrate blockchain for data security?

SolidWorks integrates blockchain through plugins like BORIS, enabling tamper-proof audit trails and certificates of ownership for CAD files. This technology protects intellectual property while offering legally defensible proof of file events. Learn more via Blockchain Plugin Security Architecture.

What makes AI-powered SolidWorks security solutions effective?

AI enhances SolidWorks security by predicting threats, analyzing file access patterns, and flagging anomalies like unauthorized logins. Integrating AI-backed tools ensures proactive prevention and optimized collaboration workflows. Read more about these advanced measures on AI-Powered Security Tips.

Can SolidWorks encryption meet global compliance standards?

Yes, SolidWorks uses AES-128 encryption protocols compliant with GDPR and FIPS standards. This ensures both file storage and transmission security, aligning with regulations like ITAR and NIS2 to safeguard intellectual property.

What PDM practices can strengthen SolidWorks security?

Optimized PDM workflows include centralizing file storage, assigning access permissions, and automating backups. Electronic signatures add an extra layer of security to document approvals. Learn how to configure PDM effectively at Optimize PDM Security.

How do SolidWorks DRM tools secure external file collaboration?

Digital Rights Management (DRM) ensures secure external collaboration by restricting unauthorized file access, monitoring usage, and enforcing license compliance. Tools like HaloCAD enhance these capabilities across multi-platform environments.

What measures can remote teams take to secure SolidWorks files?

Remote teams should ensure file encryption, utilize cloud-based secure CAD tools, and implement version control systems to track modifications. Regularly reviewing workflows minimizes exposure during remote collaboration.

Are SolidWorks security features sufficient for SMEs under GDPR?

Yes, SMEs using SolidWorks benefit from encryption, version control, and AI-based threat detection for compliance with GDPR regulations. By addressing virtual risks, these features are tailored for small business needs.

What are cost-effective security tools for smaller teams on SolidWorks?

SealPath provides budget-friendly encryption, while BORIS offers blockchain plugins for small teams. Training employees and maintaining regular software updates further minimize vulnerabilities without added costs.

Why is data monitoring crucial for protecting SolidWorks intellectual property?

Monitoring file usage prevents unauthorized access and tracks suspicious activities. Tools like HaloCAD provide comprehensive insights, allowing early detection of security threats and safeguarding intellectual property.

What role will security innovations play in SolidWorks by 2026?

Future innovations like enhanced blockchain usage and AI-driven secure collaboration tools will deepen file protection and compliance capabilities. These technologies meet growing challenges in distributed team environments.