The disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for acquiring an electronic file. The method for acquiring an electronic file comprises: sending a first request message for acquiring an electronic file to a platform server, wherein the first request message carries a first identifier of an information providing server providing the electronic file; receiving first prompt information returned from the platform server according to the first request message; determining first verification information for identity authentication according to the first prompt information, and sending the first verification information to the platform server; and receiving the electronic file forwarded by the platform server, wherein the electronic file is from the information providing server, and private information in the electronic file is encrypted through a first encryption key of the information providing server. The technical solutions in the disclosed embodiments can effectively protect private information of a user from being leaked by a platform server, thereby ensuring privacy security of the user.