When thinking about how to secure files and accounts, adding a password is often the first idea. While many spreadsheet tools don’t include this as a default feature, it’s still possible to create a password-like layer of protection using built-in scripting or automation tools.
Some spreadsheets contain sensitive information like logins, financial details, or earnings. If the account is shared or ever compromised, having an extra layer of protection helps ensure the data isn’t easily accessed.
Click the link below to open the template:
You’ll be prompted to create a copy of the spreadsheet. Doing so will also copy any associated scripts that handle the protection features.
Go to the menu bar, click on Extensions or a similar menu, and select the script editor to open the scripting environment.
Click the dropdown next to the Deploy button and select New deployment.
A dialog will appear with configuration settings. You can use the default settings. Click Deploy.
You'll be prompted to authorize access to run the script. Click Authorize access.
Choose your account and proceed, even if a warning appears saying the app isn’t verified.
Click Advanced, then click Go to ProtectedSheet.
You will be brought next to the page containing lists of permissions required to run the app. Click Allow.
Once authorized, you’ll be returned to the deployment window. Click Done.
A small box labeled Finished script indicates that the script has been initialized. We are now ready to add contents to this spreadsheet and encrypt it.
You can now start adding data to the spreadsheet. It is best to store the data starting at Row 3. You will see in the next section why.
When you encrypt the data for the first time, you will be asked to supply a password. Here are the steps:
The data will become encrypted starting Row 3.
The same steps are still applicable if you want to encrypt data again.
Here are the steps to decrypt the data:
You will see the data decrypted in action.
Doing this process can be a necessity, especially if there are changes to those who access the accounts. Here are the steps to replace the old one with a new one.
Follow the steps to encrypt the data in the previous sections to activate the new settings.
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