READ= Data Set Option

Assigns a READ password to a SAS file that prevents users from reading the file, unless they enter the password.
Valid in: DATA step and PROC steps
Category: Data Set Control

Syntax

READ=read-password

Syntax Description

read-password
must be a valid SAS name. See Rules for Words and Names in the SAS Language in SAS Language Reference: Concepts.

Details

The READ= option applies to all types of SAS files except catalogs. You can use this option to assign a password to a SAS file or to access a read-protected SAS file.
Note: A SAS password does not control access to a SAS file beyond the SAS system. You should use the operating system-supplied utilities and file-system security controls in order to control access to SAS files outside of SAS.

See Also

Other:
File Protection in SAS Language Reference: Concepts
Manipulating Passwords in Base SAS Procedures Guide