You can publish a map that requires a password to open in ArcReader or ArcMap.

There may be times when you want to control who can access your published map or the data in the map. In cases like this, you can publish your map so a password is required to open it in ArcReader. Publisher honors data source passwords and allows you to add another layer of security by password-protecting a published map.

To do so, click the Publisher menu and click Settings. Click the Security tab and Check the Password protect the published map check box. Type a password and then retype the password in the password confirmation box. Click OK, then publish the map.

When someone opens the published map they will get a message box requesting the password. The maps will not open in ArcReader or ArcMap without the password.