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How Safe are Password-Protected Data?

BY STANLEY ZAROWIN

Please note: This item is from our archives and was published in 2007. It is provided for historical reference. The content may be out of date and links may no longer function.

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Is a password-protected Word or Excel file really safe from an intruder?

 

The simple answer is sort of. Let me explain: Windows password-protected files are secure as long as a would-be intruder is not computer literate. If you do a Google search on Word Excel passwords, you’ll quickly come up with a bunch of products designed to crack Windows passwords. So think of the Windows password as, at best, a deterrent.

If you still want to use Windows’ password protection, click on Tools, Options, Security and fill out the form (see screenshot below).