Computer-implemented process and apparatus for screening data for malware. Received data stored in at least one data store includes at least: (i) a first protected item of data containing contents that are generally inaccessible without specific access credential information, and (ii) specific access credential information corresponding to the first protected item of data. The received data is analyzed to detect any protected items of data therein based on predetermined protected data item identification criteria and to detect any access credential information contained therein based on predetermined access credential identification criteria. In response to a detection of the specific access credential information in the at least one data store, the specific access credential information is stored in the at least one data store in a grouping arrangement with other access credential information. In response to a detection of the first protected item of data, use the specific access credential information is stored in the grouping arrangement to facilitate access to the first protected item of data by a malware screening process to extract its content. The malware screening process is executed to scan the content extracted from the first protected data item to detect a presence of malware.