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Information Security

File Encryption

Encrypt PDF files using Microsoft Word 2007 or newer

Microsoft Word 2007 (or newer) encrypts information using a "Protect" function.  This function does not simply passphrase-protect a file, but it encrypts is using AES encryption. Office 2016 was used for the instructions below.

1. With your document open, select the File tab.
   
   
   
   
2. Click Save As and then choose a desired location for the document to reside.
   
   
   
   
3. From the "Save As" dialogue box, select PDF from the "Save as type" dropdown list.
   
   
   
   
4. Click the Options... button.
   
   
   
   
5. From the "Options" dialogue box, check Encrypt the document with a password.
   
   
   
   
6. You are now prompted to enter a passphrase.  
   It is recommended that you use a strong password or passphrase.  Once finished, click OK.
   
   
   
   
7. From the "Save As" dialogue box, click Save.
   
   
   
   
8. As the file now is encrypted, the passphrase will be required to open it.
   
   
   
   

• Related support
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How-tos

• Encrypt Excel files using Microsoft Excel 2007 or newer
• Encrypt Excel files using Microsoft Excel in Mac OS X
• Encrypt files using 7-Zip
• Encrypt PDF files using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
• Encrypt PDF files using Microsoft Word 2007 or newer
• Encrypt Word files using Microsoft Word 2007 or newer
• Encrypt Word files using Microsoft Word in Mac OS X

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