Encrypting Word Files/Documents

[CaliZ]

Hello,

I've got a little bit of an odd request, but I have a customer that is wanting to encrypt their Word/office suite files, even when the system is logged in. (Windows 10 Home)

I understand that if they upgrade to Windows 10 Pro, they can utilize bitlocker encryption, but see issues as presented here when using an SSD (Very likely with newer systems), and even more so the data is still not "locked" when logged in. (As desired)

Short of having them utilize veracrypt (or the likes there of), or Microsoft Word's built in password protection, what other options might work without excessive annoyance of procedures. (Good ol' convenience vs security)

Thanks.

 

[AlexCa]

Haven't tested it myself, but I came across this software: https://www.wisecleaner.com/wise-folder-hider-free.html

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Why not keep it easy and utilize the built in password protection within Office? While earlier versions of Office had very weak encryption for password protection, the security increased a bit starting with 2007 when they moved from RC4 encryption to AES along with changing to open XML file format (the extra X in .DOCX, .XLSX, etc) and the security REALLY increased starting in Office 2013..where the encryption hash is much longer.

 

[nerd2u]

Why does it have to be encrypted while the user is logged in?

Sent from my SM-G870W using Tapatalk

 

[Porthos]

Why does it have to be encrypted while the user is logged in?

Sent from my SM-G870W using Tapatalk

Wants to keep other users on a shared computer with one account from accessing the files.

 

[mraikes]

From your description and the situation, it's going to be hard to beat Veracrypt for this purpose. I don't think it's that inconvenient once setup.

 

[SAFCasper]

From your description and the situation, it's going to be hard to beat Veracrypt for this purpose. I don't think it's that inconvenient once setup.

Agreed. An encrypted file container would do the job here. Only potential problem is teaching the end user how to mount & unmount it.

Should be simple but never underestimate how difficult simple tasks can be for some people.

 

[Diggs]

I'm with @YeOldeStonecat on this. Just use the password protection built into Office. It's simple and the encryption is top notch.

 

[Markverhyden]

Ditto on the built in Office encryption. Another 3rd party option is the MS version of GPG, gpg4win if you like open source.