security question

I spent a lot of time developing a workbook and i'm wondering about how to secure it. I put a long password on the project so they cant see the code, and i put a password on each tab, but I just discovered something that makes all project passwords moot. I happened to copy a tab to a new workbook and to my surprise all the code is there, which it should be, but there is now no password protection on it, so whats the use of a VBA project password? Is there a way to make it so someone couldnt take my workbook and simply copy/move all the tabs to a new workbook and see all my code?

EDIT:

Think i answered my own question... I have to password protect the workbook so they cant move tabs. Wish I knew that sooner

Security on excel is notoriously weak.

Perhaps if you save your file as Read Only, it would be more secure?

Excel is not a secure environment so don't hold your breath.

That said, you could try protecting the workbook structure ... but I am not 100% sure that will stop a sheet being copied.

Why is the code in a sheet module? Only event code should be in there.

Put all your code in standard modules, including code executed in event handlers and call the code (subroutines and functions) from the event handlers.

Then, at best they will see minimum code and the sheet code will be useless elsewhere.

You're welcome. Thanks for the rep.

A really high level excel users can protect their work.

Not entirely sure that's true. You can go a long way to making it difficult for people to access things they're not meant to. But, being realistic, it's not hard to find out what sheets exist and, from there, extract the data. Formulae and formatting, not so easy, but it depends on what you want/need to know.

This is fast approaching security breaching/cracking. As such I think that discussion needs to end now

OP asked about securing their file and were given viable replies.

I don't think it's OT to explore ways to address your issue.

See: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...5-277d47f9b567 for a short summary.

For more ideas, Google: excel vba what goes in sheet module

You should get a selection of suggestions and ideas.

If you want your workbook structure and code reviewed, we'll need to see a sample copy.


Attach a sample workbook. Make sure there is just enough data to demonstrate your need. Include a BEFORE sheet and an AFTER sheet in the workbook if needed to show the process you're trying to complete or automate. Make sure your desired results are shown, mock them up manually if necessary.

Remember to desensitize the data.

Click on GO ADVANCED and then scroll down to Manage Attachments to open the upload window.

@tim: think I had a go at PUP a long time ago. Can't remember now what the outcome was

As for FastExcel, who knows?

However, you're talking about really, really experienced developers who have been involved with Microsoft, Excel, VBA, etc., for many years. But, the majority of folk won't have that level of expertise.

You can obfuscate the macro code, which will make the code human unreadable, and usually ordinary user will stay away from it. If you just don't want people to see the macro code entirely, there are tools out there to fuse the macro code which is much more secure than Microsoft password. Microsoft password can be easily cracked.