What is the significance of using a password-protected Excel file for sensitive data?

• A. It provides encryption that fully guarantees data integrity.
• B. It provides a layer of security but does not guarantee data integrity.
• C. It guarantees data integrity if the password is strong.
• D. It makes data immune to unauthorized access.

Answer: (B)

Password protection mainly restricts who can access the file, adding a layer of confidentiality by encrypting its contents so unauthorized users can’t view it. But it does not provide tamper-evidence or a guarantee that the data inside hasn’t been altered. Integrity means the data is exact and unmodified, and a password alone doesn’t prove or enforce that. To ensure integrity, you’d need additional measures like digital signatures or checksums that can detect changes. So while a password-protected Excel file helps keep sensitive data out of reach, it does not guarantee data integrity. The other options overstate what protection provides or claim immunity to access, which isn’t accurate.