Encrypting Documents with Office 2007
Microsoft Office 2007 includes built-in encryption technology that, in its default configuration, complies with Notre Dame's Information Handling Standard.
Notre Dame faculty and staff may obtain Office 2007 through our campus license agreement. Files created by Office 2007 users may be decrypted by users of Office 2003 using the Office 2007 Compatibility Pack, as well as users of Macintosh Office 2008.
It is important to note that once you encrypt a document with a password, you will not be able to open the document without that password. Unlike earlier versions of Office, it is not possible to retrieve passwords from encrypted documents. Be sure to keep a copy of the password in a safe place.
To use this encryption, follow this process:
- Open the document you wish to encrypt in Word 2007 or Excel 2007.
- Click the Office Button and choose Encrypt Document from the Prepare menu, as shown below:
- Provide a strong password for your document by typing it in the password textbox. Press OK to continue.
Office encryption is only effective if you use a strong password to protect the document. Be sure to follow the Strong Password Standard when creating your password. Additionally, you must provide the password to the recipient via non-electronic means (e.g. in person or over the telephone)
Additionally, you should use unique passwords for each individual or group of people with whom you share documents. This password should never be the same as a NetID password.
- Verify the password by typing it in the Confirm Password window and press OK.
- Save the document. It is now encrypted and safe for transmission via electronic mail.
If you would need assistancel, please contact your departmental IT support staff or the OIT Help Desk at 631-8111.
