You can password protect any Excel file using several options, including the integrated Excel password tool or third-party Excel password options. By using these options, you can protect your data from unauthorized access and ensure that your work is more secure.
1. Password Protect An Excel Sheet Using Integrated Tool
The second option is to use a separate password manager. A password manager is a software program that stores your passwords and other personal information in a secure location.
To encrypt a workbook in Excel, head to File > Info and select Protect Workbook from the dropdown menu. Then, enter your password in the Encrypt with Password field. ..
Your Excel spreadsheet is now protected with a strong and unique password.
If you’re ever trying to open an Excel spreadsheet, you’ll encounter the password entry form.
If you’re new to Excel, we recommend checking out our Microsoft Excel basics tutorial. This guide will teach you the basics of Excel, including how to use the tools and features available in Excel.
How Secure Is Microsoft Office Password Protection?
Microsoft Office 97-2003 used a poor encryption standard, known as RC4. The older encryption algorithm has numerous vulnerabilities, which makes cracking the password on an older Excel document incredibly easy.
Microsoft Office 2007-2013 used the weaker AES-128 encryption algorithm, while Office 2016-2019 uses the stronger AES-256 encryption algorithm. This new algorithm is unbreakable within a reasonable timeframe using existing technology. ..
Extra Excel Protections
-You can password protect your worksheets and sheets -You can encrypt your workbooks with a security key -And you can use the “password protected” option to prevent people from opening your workbooks if they get access to your personal information
To password protect an Excel sheet, you can add a small additional layer of protection by using a different password for the “Protect Current Sheet” option.
An option large organizations can use to restrict access to certain individuals using security templates or other identifiers. Add a Digital Signature: The digital signature option verifies that the file remains untampered between the sender and recipient, ensuring the content is the same.
If you want to keep your data safe and secure, you can use a combination of security features, like password protection, with Excel. ..
2. 7-Zip
Password protecting multiple Excel files with 7-Zip is a great way to keep your data safe. You can encrypt a whole folder of files, or password protect a selection of files, all at the same time. ..
Now, open 7-Zip and click on the “password protect” button. You will be asked to enter a password. Enter your desired password and click on the “save” button.
After finalizing your selection, right-click and select 7-Zip > Add to Archive to open the 7-Zip archive options. The archive options are on the right. Enter a strong and unique password, then press OK.
To protect your data, you must enter a password before opening any of the Excel spreadsheets inside the archive. However, the spreadsheets outside the archive are not protected with passwords. You can access and delete these files without needing to enter a password. ..
3. Windows Encrypting File System
The Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) is a Windows integrated encryption system that helps protect individual files. Unlike Bitlocker, which you use for full disk encryption, EFS works on a file-by-file basis. This makes it perfect for password protecting an Excel spreadsheet.
To encrypt your Excel spreadsheet, right-click the spreadsheet and select Properties. Now, select Advanced, then check the box to Encrypt contents to secure data. Press OK, then Apply.
The Encryption Warning will appear if you encrypt a file. The warning explains that encrypting a single file can cause an issue and that encrypting the entire folder offers more protection. If the file is in a frequently accessed folder, you’ll have to unlock the folder each time you want to access any other file. One way around this is to place your text file in a separate folder and use this as your secure folder.
After confirming your selection, the Encrypting File System will ask you if you want to take a backup of the encryption key. You can use the encryption key backup if you forget your decryption password.
Exporting Your Encryption Key Backup
The Microsoft Certificate Export Wizard will guide you through the creation and export of your encryption key to an external media source, such as a USB flash drive. By exporting your encryption key backup, you can increase your security by protecting it from unauthorized access.
Export all extended properties on the first page of your personal information exchange. On the next page, input a secure and unique password to password protect your files. Switch the encryption type to AES256-SHA256 (extremely strong encryption!), then give your encryption key a filename. Press Finish to complete the process.
If the encryption process is successful, you’ll see a small lock icon on the Notepad text file icon.
4. AxCrypt
If you’re looking for a way to protect your Excel sheets from unauthorized access, consider using AxCrypt. This powerful encryption tool is easy to use and can help keep your data safe. ..
To start using AxCrypt, you first need to install it. After that, you’ll need to provide your email address so you can receive your free license. ..
Your AxCrypt password is your unique encryption and decryption key for your Excel spreadsheets. Take heed of the AxCrypt warning. If you lose or forget your AxCrypt password, you will only be able to decrypt files that are associated with the account that was used to store the AxCrypt password.
If you are signed into AxCrypt, drag and drop an Excel spreadsheet file into the AxCrypt window. If you are logged into AxCrypt and attempt to open a file, it will not present a password prompt. If you close AxCrypt (which also logs you out), you will receive a password prompt when you attempt to open the spreadsheet.
AxCrypt is a free encryption tool that is perfect for Windows users. It is easy to use and can help protect your data from unauthorized access.
What’s The Best Way To Password Protect An Excel Spreadsheet?
As Microsoft Office now uses AES-256 encryption, you can rest assured that the password protection on your Excel spreadsheet is trustworthy and impossible to break using current technology.
Integrated password protection can only handle one file at a time, so you might also consider using 7-Zip encryption to protect all of your Excel spreadsheets. AES-256 is also a strong and unique password that can help protect your data from unauthorized access.
- Create a strong and unique word list
- Choose memorable words
- Create a complex password with many different letters and numbers
- Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters and numbers
