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).