Security Bomb

[selkov]

I have placed a lot of time into customizing excel workbooks for my own use at the office.
I am worried that they will usurp my work and give it to others to use without regards for my efforts. So I would like to add a security bomb.

What I am envisioning is to have all the worksheets auto open and search for a file's existence or maybe data in a file and if it is not there then exit the workbook, or better delete itself.

I have never attempted anything like this so I am looking for input or similar ideas from those more knowledgeable than me.

Thanks to all in advance for your help...

 

[Michael M]

Yeah, I agree with shg, that it would be more ethical.
But adding the extra spaces is simply making work for yourself !!
Anybody can simply copy paste the code, remove the extra spaces and then paste it back.

I'd suggest sticking with the line of thought that you've learned something along the way, and you can take the macros AND the knowledge with you when a better job comes up !!

 

[selkov]

While cutting and pasting the code back might be any easy fix, the less than proficient may not see that. And what i am hoping for is that they will look at the written macro and think - wow this is to advanced for me.

As for ethics - as i am not impairing the functionality of the macro where does it become unethical?

 

[shg]

When you modify any of your work product to make it less accessible for those who follow.

And I think that people looking at your hacked code would not figure 'wow, this is too advanced', but rather 'wow, this guy knew nothing about design'.

 

[xenou]

If you code is robust and will remain in use for months/years after you are gone then my take is that

1. you've done a great job - be proud
2. your skills will help you to gain a better future in your next endeavor
3. your former employees lose a lot more in losing you than they do just getting your leftover code so no need to worry about sticking it to them

Chances are that sooner or later some change or enhancement will be required, they'll be clueless, and realize that it's a lot harder without you. Or - if by chance they actually do hire someone with the smarts to correctly edit your code, you will have an ally. Be sure you leave contact info - you may gain some good connections, a partner in a future project, or someone to share knowledge with or learn from. You gain nothing by burning your bridges. Heck - they may even ask you to come back and pay you a bucketful of money to upgrade your programs when they need the enhancements in a year or two.

In short, no need to worry about ethics here, or law - just doing what is in your own best interests is enough. These people will be in your past, so forget about them. Your future is far more important.

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