Security in Office 2003

Step 1: Using password protection to protect files

Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office 2003 programs offer password protection ("File Protection") to help prevent unwanted access to your critical information.

There are two password protection levels:

• Read-Only. Anyone can read the doc, but only those with the password can edit it.
• Password-Protected. Can only be opened by someone with the password.

To use read-only protection:

1. Open the file.
2. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click Security.
3. In the Password to modify box, type a password, and then click OK.
4. In the Reenter password to modify box, type the password again, and then click OK.

To password protect a file:

1. Open the file.
2. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click Security.
3. In the Password to open box, type a password, and then click OK.
4. In the Reenter password to open box, type the password again, and then click OK.

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Step 2: Adjusting your security level for macros

Macros are handy little shortcuts that you can use to store keystrokes and automate common tasks. Sometimes hackers use this same convenience to create macro viruses that can seriously damage your computer.

To adjust macro security in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or another Office document:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
   
   If you don't see Options, wait a couple of seconds for the menu to drop down completely. It may be hidden.
2. Click the Security tab.
3. Under Macro Security, click Macro Security.
4. Click the Security Level tab, and then select the security level you want to use.
   
   Tip: We recommend setting your macro security level to "high," and clearing the "Trust all installed add-ins and templates" check box (that is, make sure it's not checked).

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Step 3: Use Microsoft Update to update your Microsoft software

A key feature of Microsoft Update is Windows Automatic Update, which automatically installs high-priority updates that are critical to the security and reliability of your computer. Without these updates, your computer is more vulnerable to attack from cyber crooks and malicious software.

Find out how to sign up for Microsoft Update.

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What else you can do to protect your PC

Continue to improve your computer's security by:

• Using a firewall
• Maintaining a current antivirus software subscription
• Using a software program to help protect against spyware such as Windows Defender for Windows Vista or Windows Defender for Windows XP SP2.