To secure an electronic file from unauthorised use, and to only allow specific people to read it, you can either protect the file using a password, or encrypt it.
These files can only be opened and read once the user enters in the correct password - just like accessing an email account.
Encrypted files have their contents changed so they can only be read when decrypted (made normal) by the encryption key (similar to a password). The file is made unreadable until the correct encryption key is put in. Encrypted files now also use the encryption key to lock the file just like a password, for an extra layer of protection.
Below is a simple example of how encryption protects a file's contents.
Normal: This is a normal sentence.
Encrypted: %^TR"TV[|A_z
M}
aÍ♀J^d
It is important to keep your own record of this password or encryption key as you will not be able to retreive it from the Tenders.Net system. The password/encryption key will only be accessed by the tendering firm after the close of the tender.