Encrypting data files

For IBM® SPSS® Statistics data files, you can protect confidential information stored in a data file by encrypting the file with a password. Once encrypted, the file can only be opened by providing the password.

  1. Make the Data Editor the active window (click anywhere in the window to make it active).
  2. From the menus choose:

    File > Save As...

  3. Select Encrypt file with password in the Save Data As dialog box.
  4. Click Save.
  5. In the Encrypt File dialog box, provide a password and re-enter it in the Confirm password text box. Passwords are limited to 10 characters and are case-sensitive.

Warning: Passwords cannot be recovered if they are lost. If the password is lost the file cannot be opened.

Creating strong passwords

  • Use eight or more characters.
  • Include numbers, symbols and even punctuation in your password.
  • Avoid sequences of numbers or characters, such as "123" and "abc", and avoid repetition, such as "111aaa".
  • Do not create passwords that use personal information such as birthdays or nicknames.
  • Periodically change the password.

Note: Storing encrypted files to an IBM SPSS Collaboration and Deployment Services Repository is not supported.

Modifying encrypted files

  • If you open an encrypted file, make modifications to it and choose File > Save, the modified file will be saved with the same password.
  • You can change the password on an encrypted file by opening the file, repeating the steps for encrypting it, and specifying a different password in the Encrypt File dialog box.
  • You can save an unencrypted version of an encrypted file by opening the file, choosing File > Save As and deselecting Encrypt file with password in the Save Data As dialog box.

Note: Encrypted data files and output documents cannot be opened in versions of IBM SPSS Statistics prior to version 21. Encrypted syntax files cannot be opened in versions prior to version 22.