Enhance Workbook Security

[zdinath]

Hi,

I have a workbook for a costing model to allow for an 'open book policy' with a customer. Some of the info within the workbook is highly confidential and should not be viewed by the customer, but is required for the calculations and hence required.
I am familiar with password protecting my sheet and locking cells and only allowing the user to select and edit certain cells. I am also familiar with the hidden option of cells so that the formula doesn't show in the cell or formula bar and I am also aware of setting the visibility of a sheet to be 'veryhidden' so that it does not show in the list of sheets to unhide.
But the mere fact that if I know all of these options...and how to work around 'unprotecting' them, it leads me to believe that many others would too. Is there a more robust, safer way of being able to send out my model to the customer having full confidence that they will never have visibility of the confidential information?
Please advise the best possible way to protect my workbook...and ultimately my job!!

Regards,
Z

 

[Mel Smith]

Hello Zdinath,

Perhaps putting the highly sensitive information on a fully protected linked sheet might do it for you?

HTH

Mel

 

[zdinath]

Hi Mel,

Thanks for the response. I have now placed all confidential info on a seperate sheet within the workbook, apologies for my ignorance, but how do i go about 'fully protecting' this sheet?

Z

 

[Mel Smith]

Hello Zdinath,

What I meant by a linked worksheet, was that your confidential data is in a separate workbook that is protected in the normal way, rather than a sheet within the workbook.

Mel

 

[zdinath]

I was really hoping to keep it in a single workbook as a few people will be utilising this model...both internal and external, with some of the internal users needing access to view the confidential info. But I believe keeping it in a seperate, linked workbook is the safest option.
Thanks for the advise...much appreciated.

Regards,
Z