A Microsoft Office macro is a shortcut. It contains code that allows a certain sequence of steps to be automatically performed within documents. Unfortunately, macros have long been favorite tools among cyberattackers, who use them to run malicious code. Unless you absolutely need them, consider disabling macros in the Trust Center of Microsoft Office to […]

Microsoft Office and productivity software in general are both magnets for cyberattacks, since they’re so widely used, meaning any successful attempt will have huge ripple effects. Accordingly, you should, if possible, use the latest versions of these applications, as they’re much more secure than their predecessors and are patched against many known vulnerabilities.

If you forget the password to your local account on your PC, all might seem lost, since there’s no one to email for a reset link. However, you can hedge against this possibility by creating a password reset disk beforehand. “Disk” is a misnomer; all you’ll need is a USB stick or SD Card. Simply […]

What malware should you know about when using Microsoft Office?

For instance, powerful macros used in word processor applications, such as Microsoft Word, present a risk. Virus writers could use the macros to write viruses embedded within documents. This meant that computers might now also be at risk from infection by opening documents with hidden attached macros.

Macros are powerful, useful commands in Microsoft Word and Excel. However, they can also be used to deliver ransomware. Consider disabling them from within the applications if you regularly receive a lot of documents and spreadsheets and aren’t sure of their safety.