Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel have the ability to protect a document with a password by going to:
File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password
Similarly you can password protect a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro by going to:
File > Properties > Security Method > Password Security
Or in Kofax Power PDF by going to:
File > Security > Document Protection > Advanced Properties > Security Method > Password Security
Please contact ITAV@sgul.ac.uk if you would like further help or advice with password protecting documents.
Keeping it safe
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You should not keep your password written down. If you need help remembering passwords, rather than writing down the password itself write down a hint (preferably something that will only make sense to you) that will help you remember it.
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You should not email the password to yourself or to anyone else. When transferring documents between members of staff who are consolidating password-protected files, please do not email the password to them. Rather, try to find a method that suits both parties that is private. A more preferable option would be to agree the password in person before the document is written.
For general guidelines and advice on selecting appropriate passwords please see password security and choosing a good password.