When it comes to securing sensitive documents, Microsoft Word’s built-in password protection might seem like a good option, but it has serious flaws. While it can prevent unauthorized access to a document in some cases, it does not offer the level of security needed for business and legal purposes. This article explores the weaknesses of Word password protection and offers a better solution through VeryPDF DRM Protector, which provides far stronger protection for documents.
How Does Microsoft Word Password Protection Work?
Microsoft Word has been the go-to word processing software for businesses worldwide, supporting a wide range of tasks from note-taking to legal documentation. However, when it comes to securing sensitive documents, Word’s password protection is not as secure as many users might think. Microsoft Word offers two types of password protection: one that encrypts the document, and another that restricts editing. Here’s how each works:
- Encryption Protection: This option encrypts the document using a password. The document remains unreadable until the correct password is entered.
- Editing Restriction: This does not use encryption but simply disables editing functions within the document. It limits users from typing, deleting, or altering the formatting.
The Problem with Password-Based Encryption
The primary issue with Word’s password protection is that it relies on human-created passwords. While encryption algorithms like AES are robust, the passwords chosen by users are often weak and easily cracked by modern password-cracking tools. Additionally, passwords are shareable, meaning that legitimate users can inadvertently or intentionally share them with unauthorized parties. This defeats the purpose of encryption, as documents can easily be copied, shared, or edited.
Why Password Protected Links Do Not Work
Another common method of sharing a password-protected document is by uploading it to cloud services like OneDrive, and sharing the link with a password requirement. However, this method is just as vulnerable as traditional password protection. The password can be shared, and once the document is downloaded, it is no longer secure. OneDrive’s editing and copying restrictions are also flawed, as users can still copy and paste content or take screenshots.
Why Restrict Editing in Word Doesn’t Help
Microsoft Word’s “Restrict Editing” feature might seem like a useful tool, but it offers very little protection. Although it can prevent users from editing a document, it doesn’t stop them from copying content, printing, or sharing the document in other ways. Users can easily bypass these restrictions by saving the document as a PDF, printing it, or copying and pasting its contents into another document.
How to Unlock a Password-Protected Word Document
If you’ve forgotten the password to a Word document, there are ways to recover it. For documents encrypted with a password, tools like Passware or Elcomsoft can use brute-force attacks to crack the password. However, the process can be time-consuming, especially for long or complex passwords. If you only applied editing restrictions, removing those can be done in seconds by copying the text, printing to PDF, or saving as a different file format.
How to Encrypt and Protect Documents More Effectively
While password protection in Word is inadequate for protecting sensitive documents, there are better alternatives. If you need to securely share documents and control how they are used, Digital Rights Management (DRM) is the ideal solution. DRM allows you to set up modular controls over documents, including encryption, restriction of copying or editing, and the prevention of screenshots and printing.
Why Choose VeryPDF DRM Protector?
VeryPDF DRM Protector offers a far more secure way to protect your documents. Unlike Word’s password protection, DRM doesn’t rely on passwords that can be shared or cracked. It uses AES 256-bit encryption and secure key management to control access to your documents. With VeryPDF DRM Protector, you can:
- Prevent sharing: No one can share the document without permission.
- Disable copy-pasting: Text and images cannot be copied.
- Restrict editing: Users cannot modify the document.
- Prevent printing: You can even prevent printing or allow degraded, watermarked prints.
- Track usage: Monitor how and when the document is accessed.
- Revoke access: If necessary, you can revoke access to a document remotely.
To use VeryPDF DRM Protector, simply upload your PDF file to https://drm.verypdf.com/online/ and select ‘Make Secure PDF.’ From there, you can apply all the necessary DRM restrictions. VeryPDF’s DRM solution ensures that your document is protected even after it leaves your hands, offering a level of control far beyond that of simple password protection.
Free Trial Available
You can try out VeryPDF DRM Protector online for free at https://drm.verypdf.com/online/. Explore how DRM can give you complete control over your documents, ensuring that your sensitive information remains secure and protected.
FAQs
1. How secure is an encrypted Word document?
Word encryption is only secure if the password is strong. However, since passwords can be shared and cracked, it’s not ideal for protecting sensitive information.
2. Does Word’s Restrict Editing feature work?
No, it only prevents editing within Word. Users can still copy, paste, and share the content in other ways.
3. Can I track the use of my documents?
Yes, with VeryPDF DRM Protector, you can track document usage and revoke access if needed.