> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.guardware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.guardware.com/protect/about/introduction-to-protect.md). # Introduction to PROTECT GuardWare PROTECT encrypts and secures all file types, including MS Office documents, PDFs, images, videos, and AutoCAD files. It ensures files remain protected from unauthorised use and theft, whether stored locally or shared externally via USB, cloud drives, email, or other methods. Only authorised users and applications can open protected files. These users and applications are configured in the **GuardWare Management Console** by **administrators**. End users interact with GuardWare PROTECT Agent through the [Windows Explorer right-click menu](/protect/protect-features/protect-right-click-features.md). From there, you can protect sensitive files by applying classifications, restricting access to specific Security Groups, limiting file circulation, adding an expiry date, and so on. {% hint style="info" %} * If you use **Save As** or **Export** to save a protected file in another format or extension, the new file will also be protected. * If an unprotected file contains sensitive data, it will be **automatically protected** when saved. Sensitive data types are defined by your administrator in the GuardWare Management Console. * Auto-save and OneDrive sync are enabled by default while editing protected Office documents. If you want them disabled, contact your Administrator. * If you send an email with an encrypted attachment to an external recipient, PROTECT shows a warning message indicating that the email contains encrypted files and is addressed to an external recipient. External recipients **must receive an invitation from GuardWare and must have GuardWare PROTECT installed** to open encrypted files. * The **GuardWare PROTECT Chromium Extension** enables seamless uploads and downloads of PROTECT-encrypted files on authorised websites. When you upload a protected file to an authorised website, the extension automatically decrypts the file before upload. When you download the file from the same website, the extension automatically re-encrypts it. The list of authorised websites is configured through the GuardWare Management Console. {% endhint %} ### Security Group A **Security Group** is a set of users within your organisation who have specific access permissions. When a file is protected, only members of authorised Security Groups can open or modify it; all others are restricted, ensuring it remains secure and accessible only to authorised users. For example, you might allow only the *Finance* group to access payroll reports or only the *HR* group to view employee records. Security Groups are created by an administrator in the GuardWare Management Console. Any new user who installs GuardWare PROTECT Client and logs in successfully is automatically assigned to the default Security Group called *All Users*. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.guardware.com/protect/about/introduction-to-protect.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.