Protect a Document with Encryption

An Open password or a Modify password offers only weak protection, because you (or anyone else) can easily find password-cracking utilities on the Internet. To protect a document more securely, you can encrypt it. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Click the Office button, and then choose Prepare | Encrypt Document. Word displays the Encrypt Document dialog box.
2. Type a strong password in the Password text box.
3. Click the OK button. Word displays a Confirm Password dialog box.
4. Type the password in the Reenter Password text box, and then click the OK button. Word closes the Confirm Password dialog box and applies the encryption.
5. Click the Save button on the Quick Access Toolbar. Alternatively, press CTRL-S. Word saves the document.

To create an effective password, use at least six characters, and make them a mix of uppercase- and lowercase, numbers, and symbols (for example, ! or @). Never use a real word as a password, no matter which language it is from.