Attached are a series of security challenges, some of which have previously been posted on various Access forums.
All have been designed to show ways of making Access apps reasonably secure as well as (hopefully) being 'fun' challenges to solve.
All the challenges are intended to be solvable without hacking. Indeed trying to do so will probably make them harder to solve.
Follow the clues provided in each challenge description and the challenges themselves.
You may need to search online for solutions to certain parts of the challenges
NOTE:
Access databases, including these, can NEVER be made 100% secure
A capable and determined hacker can break any Access database given sufficient time and motivation
However, by erecting various barriers, it is certainly possible to make the process so difficult and time consuming that it isn't normally worth attempting
Remember that any database application is only as secure as the weakest aspect of its security.
Security Challenges
The challenges increase in difficulty so it is suggested that they are attempted in the order listed. Click the links for further information and to download the challenge.
1. Show/Hide Tables
2. Hidden Message
3. Activation Challenge
4. Encrypted Split No Strings
5. Complex Deep Hidden Attachment Mystery
I hope you enjoy puzzling out these challenges. Additional challenges may be added in future so please return to find what has been added.
You may also be interested in the following example apps and puzzles:
6. Kiosk Style Database
7. Combobox Zombies Puzzle
8. Locked and disabled control puzzle
9. Access Message Boxes with no code
Further Reading
Click the links below for detailed articles on the security of Access file formats
Compare Access File Security : MDB/MDE vs ACCDB/ACCDE
Improve Access File Security
Feedback
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Please also consider making a donation towards the costs of maintaining this website. Thank you
Colin Riddington Mendip Data Systems Last Updated 22 Feb 2026
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