Illustrator info: 24.2.3 (64bit)

System info:
Windows 10

Steps:
If I export artboards to pdf using the asset export window - each file will be password protected without me specifying it.

This only happens if the last pdf I saved manualy (using save as) was password protected. Asset export will use the same password that I entered for this file.

This would be a nice feature if it was an option you could select or de select, but not when it happens without informing me.

The only workaround I know of, is to save a dummy pdf with the correct settings before using the asset export, needles to say this is a damper on workflow efficency.

The presets used does not have password protection enabled. I am reasonably sure you can't put passwords in the presets actually. I tried now, and the password protection option was not enabled when I applied the preset.

Ton Frederiks LATEST
Adobe Community Professional , a minute ago

I can replicate that behaviour.

You can report it here:

https://illustrator.uservoice.com

https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/asset-export-password-bug/m-p/11370667?page=1#M189597