Re: Word doc Security?


"Armey" <glock2010mm@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:1175522750.423973.86730@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I wanted to get the groups expert advice on how secure MS Word
document security really is? For example, I have an open password,

That one is reasonably secure, provided you choose a strong passord

modify password

In practice, that is useless - it doesn't stop the user from copying and pasting to a new document and saving the results. Its only use is a protection against accidentally modifying the file.

and the document is password protected with the
restriction of filling in forms

That is also largely useless. Use Insert, File to include the file in another file and the protection is gone.

and my VBA code is passwod protected.

That is relatively easily crackable if you have the right tools, even if you use a strong password.

In my specific case I am using Word 2003, but soon testing and
converting my app to Word 2007.

What I have described applies to Word 2003 and earlier. I don't know whether things are improved in Word 2007, but I rather doubt it.

I have heard of many free or cheap
programs to crack MS word password protection but have no real
experience of this.

1.) Does one encryption type versus another on the open password
really matter? If so, what is the most secure?

2.) Is there added security benefits in Word 2007 for the open, modify
and protected document password?

Not really. They exist primarily to make it harder to make accidental changes. They aren't a protection against malicious changes.


3.) What would your advice be for securing a protected form template
in the most secure method to keep unauthorized users from using or
modifying the app?

Move as much code as possible out of VBA and into an VB6 ActiveX DLL. Only leave little bits of code in the VBA project that are needed to make calls to the DLL.

If it is for a specific corporation, get the agreement of IT and personnel to make it clear that malicious tampering with the template is a disciplinary offence.


--
Regards
Jonathan West - Word MVP
www.intelligentdocuments.co.uk
Please reply to the newsgroup
Keep your VBA code safe, sign the ClassicVB petition www.classicvb.org

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Word doc Security?
    ... For example, I have an open password, ... That one is reasonably secure, provided you choose a strong passord ... a protection against accidentally modifying the file. ...
    (microsoft.public.word.vba.general)
  • Re: Word doc Security?
    ... For example, I have an open password, ... a protection against accidentally modifying the file. ... what is the most secure? ...
    (microsoft.public.word.vba.general)
  • Re: Word doc Security?
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    (microsoft.public.word.vba.general)
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