How secure are VBA project passwords?

[Grizlore]

Hi,
Thoughts please...

Note: To keep to forum rules, i am not asking how to crack passwords, nor specifics of methods on how to.

I was wondering how strong the passwords which protect VBA projects are.

I know things like protected sheets can be broken easily by running a piece of code, however is the password protecting "VBAProject - Project Properties" any different? And more importantly, is it a stronger defence?

anyone know?

 

[MrKowz]

In short, Excel is not a secure program. All passwords are easily cracked/hacked with simple programs. It is secure enough for most office environments and keeps the every-day-user's eyes from prying through files. However, if someone really wants to see some code, they will.

 

[Grizlore]

Thanks... your explaination was bang on

So, should someone want to get in, having a supposedly "strong password" will just slow down the inevitable crack.

 

[dave3009]

No, a 'strong password' should be used to keep everyday users from prying, it will pose no additional challenge to those who want hack your code.

 

[MrKowz]

I'd always suggest a strong password to make sure that you keep out the people who try to guess-hack. At least 8 characters with a mix of numbers, capital letters, and lowercase letters are considered "strong".

However, there are tools that exist that will simply strip away passwords, regardless how strong they are.

I'll leave the discussion there, because I don't want to go too far with this rather taboo topic.