If you need your computer repaired, how do you know the person doing the repair at the local Geek Stop repair shop or even in your home won't snoop around in your personal finance data? You don't.
Learn how to protect financial data entered in the personal finance software listed below.
1. Password Protect Quicken Data Files
If you use Quicken, create a Quicken File Password to protect your personal financial data. Once you set a Quicken file password, the data file cannot be opened without the assigned password being entered.
2. Password Protect Microsoft Money Data Files
If you use Microsoft Money, your data files are password protected using Windows Live ID, which have replaced Passport log ins in Money. Windows Live ID provides more security and convenience than Passport did. To use Windows Live ID with Microsoft Money, just set up an account when you install or start Money.
3. Encrypt Moneydance Data Files
Moneydance has data file password protection which is specifically referred to as data encryption in Moneydance. Encryption which makes your data unreadable unless unlocked by your password, which is essentially what other financial software accomplishes with a data password.Set up encryption with password protection in Moneydance by clicking on File, Encryption and then placing a check next to Encrypt Data File by clicking on it. Enter your password twice along with a hint to use if you forget your password. But be aware that if you forget your Moneydance password, there is no way to retrieve your data.
4. Other Desktop Personal Finance Software
If your desktop financial software has a password protection feature, you will likely find it under the File menu. Click on Help in your software and search for "passwords" (without quotes) or contact tech support to find out if you can password protect your personal finance data file.If you find that your desktop personal finance software does not have a password to protect your data, you need to find new financial software.
