How to Restrict Update Operation On Any Record in Salesforce?

Validation Rule can be used to restrict update operation on any record.

Validation Rule Formula:
AND(
ISPICKVAL( Status, 'In progress' ),
ISPICKVAL( PRIORVALUE( Status ), 'In progress' ),
NOT( ISNEW() )
)

Scenario

When the Record is updated with In progress status, the Validation Rule will fire.
When the Record is created with In progress status, the Validation Rule will not fire.
When the Record is updated from In progress to a different status, the Validation Rule will not fire.