How safe is a password protected Excel file?
I have a need to send a 3rd party regular Excel files.
I currently use excel password protection on the file itself and the password I use is known by the 3rd party.
However, today I read a thread on this forum that appears to say it is unsafe to password-protect an Excel file. But this is counter to my understanding because I believe Excel uses 256-bit AES encryption which is currently unbreakable.
However the thread also talks about individual features of Excel and I am finding it difficult to separate the file password encryption from the feature protection, like protect a sheet in a workbook or cell protection.
So can someone advise if I place a password on the file such that it can not be opened, is it safe (within the limits of 256-bit encryption) or not?
BTW, I am using M365, I am not bothered by over-the-shoulder or cut-and-paste hacks as that is the 3rd parties problem from a data protection point of view.
