Protecting / Encrypting Word or Excel Documents

Word Documents

  • In an open document click File> Info > Protect Document. You will see the following options.

  • Mark as Final: This will make your document read-only.

When a document is marked as final, typing, editing, general commands and proofing marks are disabled or turned off which will make the document read-only. The Mark as Final command helps you communicate that you are sharing a completed version of a document. It also helps prevent reviewers or readers from making inadvertent changes to the document.

  • Encrypt with Password: This will let you set a password for the document.

Important: keep your password in a safe place. If you lose or forget the password, it cannot be recovered.
When you select Encrypt with Password, the Encrypt Document dialog box appears. In the Password box, type a password, and then type it again when prompted. 

  • Restrict Editing: You can control what types of changes can be made to your document.

When you select Restrict Editing, you will see these options:
      - Formatting restrictions: This will reduce formatting options, preserving a look and feel. Click setting to select which styles are allowed.
      - Editing restrictions: You will be able to control how the file can be edited or you can disable editing. Click Exceptions or More users to control those who can edit.

  • Add a Digital Signature: You can add a visible or invisible digital signature.

Digital signature authenticates digital information such as documents, email messages and macros by using computer cryptology. Digital signatures are created by typing a signature or by using an image of a signature to establish authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation. However, at this present time, Brasenose does not use Digital signatures.

Excel Documents

  • In an open worksheet, click File > Info > Protect Workbook. You will see the following options.

  • Mark as Final: This will make your workbook read- only.

Marking a workbook as final will disable or turn off typing, editing, general commands and proofing - it will make the document read- only.

When you mark a workbook as final, Excel asks you to save the file. The next time you open it, you will see a yellow Marked as Final message at the top of the workbook. If you click Edit Anyway, the workbook will no longer be marked as final.

  • Encrypt with Password: You can set a password for the workbook.

Important: keep your password in a safe place. If you lose or forget the password, it cannot be recovered.
When you select Encrypt with Password, the Encrypt Document dialog box appears. In the password box, type a password and then type it again when prompted.

  • Protect Current Sheet: This will protect the worksheet and lock the cells.

By using this feature, you can select password protection and allow or disallow other users to select, format, insert, delete, sort or edit areas of the worksheet.

  • Protect Workbook Structure:

This feature allows you to select protection and select options to prevent users from changing, moving or deleting important data

  • Add a Digital Signature: You can add a visible or invisible digital signature.

Digital signature authenticates digital information such as documents, email messages and macros by using computer cryptology. Digital signature are created by typing a signature or by using an image of a signature to establish authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation. However, at this present time, Brasenose does not use Digital signatures.