How secure is a protected worksheet?

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You can use the Protection feature in Excel to lock elements of a worksheet (worksheet: The primary document that you use in Excel to store and work with data. Also called a spreadsheet. A worksheet consists of cells that are organized into columns and rows; a worksheet is always stored in a workbook.) or workbook. You can even specify a password so that certain users can access the locked elements. But with or without a password, a protected worksheet does not ensure that all sensitive data in your workbook is secure. For optimal security, you should use a password to help safeguard the workbook file itself from unauthorized access.

Using passwords

Adding a password to further protect a worksheet is optional, and merely intended to help prevent damage to that worksheet if it's used by multiple people. To help secure all of your data, however, you should set a password for the entire workbook, possibly with a stronger encryption type. This should help prevent unauthorized access to your data, as the password will be required to open the workbook.

 Important   Use strong passwords that combine upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Weak passwords don't mix these elements. Strong password: Y6dh!et5. Weak password: House27. Use a strong password that you can remember so that you don't have to write it down.

Add a password to a workbook file

1. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Security tab.
2. To require a password for viewing the workbook, type a password in the Password to open box, and then click OK.

 Note    You can set a stronger encryption type. Click Advanced, click an encryption type, and then click OK twice.

3. When prompted, retype your password to confirm it, and click OK.
4. Click Save.
5. If prompted, click Yes to replace the existing workbook.