I would like to know how I can secure an Area (folder within project) - i.e. give access to external consultants for reading and writing.
But I do not want them to be able to access other folders within that Project.
I know how to assign access to the folder (defined Area), but I'm not sure how I can safely remove their rights on the Project without cutting off their access to the folder (Area).
Any help appreicated.
It depends wither you mean Area Paths or Source Control folders.
!!Source Control
In TFVC you can open the web access and go to the code tab. There you can right click on any folder and select permissions. Her you can use any fine grain you like and control inheritance.
In Git you can only control permission ls at the Repository and Branch level.
!!Work Item Tracking
If you open the web access and go to the administration section (cog on top right) and then the Area Path tab you can control the permission in the same way you can with source code. If you have VSTS or TFS 2015 Update 2 you can also control inheritance.
!!Real solution
However any sort of compartmentalisation comes with significant overhead of managing it. If you are a defence company or bank and there is that one folder that you don't want externals to have access then it's easy. Remove inheritance for that folder and only allow specific access.
Anything more and you run into complexity and friction for users. Ultimately you should trust everyone you give access to your Team Project. Ifnuoy don'ttrust them, then don'tgive them access...