How protect sheet with password that cannot be cracked

[stockstradr]

As long as I'm posting, I have to ask this question. I'm sure others here have tackled this one!

As many of you know, there are easily-available software/macro app's that will quickly find the password and unlock a password-protected Excel worksheet.

This effectively makes the password Protect sheet function, kinda useless if my goal is to keep hidden all the code and function in cells that I consider my intellectual property.

QUESTION:
Is there any "uncrackable" method where I can hide my cell functions and the password cannot be cracked by any method that is easily available to the "man on the street" who is searching the internet for ways to crack into a password-protected Excel workbook/worksheet? My meaning is that I'm OK with a method that can be cracked by say some experts at the FBI or CIA, but I at least want something at minimum is impenetrable by the vast majority of Excel users and Excel programmers.

Oh, I had better mention that of course I want to allow the user to be able to interact with the cells in the spreadsheet that are unlocked.

 

[Michael M]

Hi and Welcome to the Board.
Short answer is No.
Excel security is fairly weak and can be cracked quite readily.

It is basically designed to keep honest people honest, and that is the majority of average users.

 

[stockstradr]

Short answer is No.
Excel security is fairly weak and can be cracked quite readily.

Thank you for the reply. I kind figured that was the case, but at least posting the question on here let's me confirm it, so I don't go spending weeks in vain trying to track down something only to find it really isn't available for Excel.

 

[allanm]

While Excel itself does not provide strong security, third-party products are available to provide the protection you require. We created Spreadsheet Sentry to strongly protect (encrypt) Excel formulas, but there are several other options listed under http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2331614

 

[stockstradr]

allanm ,

thank you. Your post has very helpful information.