Distributing excel spreadsheets without exposing formula

[sharshra]

I would like to know how to distribute excel spreadsheets without exposing the formulas used. I´m using lock / hide with protect sheet & password. But unlocking the password protected spreadsheet is an open secret Is there any better solution?

 

[6StringJazzer]

One option is to use an Excel compiler, which is a third-party application that turns your Excel file into a .exe file. The user still has to have Excel installed to use it, but they will not have access to formulas or VBA.

I have not used one so I can't make a recommendation. But just as one example of what I'm talking about, look up DoneEx.

These are much more secure than the built-in Excel protections, but of course nothing is absolutely secure against a motivated attacker. I would think you would have to have a very high level of expertise to crack one of these.

 

[sharshra]

Thanks, @6StringJazzer. Due to various constraints, I will not be able to go for an external / third party applications. I´m looking for excel built in protection mechanisms which are better than lock / hide & protect with password combinations. Also, I must say that the application is not critical, but wanted to ensure that formula is not exposed.