What is macro viruses ? - Security Term

Although not as prevalent as they once were (Microsoft has made leaps towards the prevention of Macro viruses), they are still a threat for those who don’t take security seriously or simply don’t understand it. Macros are small programs that are native to Microsoft Office applications (Word (.doc/x), Excel (.xls/x), Access (.mdb/x they are designed to save time and to allow developers to create interactive databases, spreadsheets, and documents and automate tasks. However if they fall in the wrong hands they can be designed to delete and corrupt important data files and their effects can cost a lot time and money.

Macro viruses are essentially viruses that are limited in scope because the can only be executed when an infected Word, Excel, or Access file is open. Don’t get me wrong macros are a great tool for Office users; however one should take precaution when opening those files.

There are several ways that these files make it to your computer. One of the most common is through email attachments from other computers. They can also be spread from file downloads and from working and saving files on an infected computer.

A macro virus is a virus that is written in a macro language: that is to say, a language built into a software application such as a word processor. Since some applications (notably, but not exclusively, the parts of Microsoft Office) allow macro programs to be embedded in documents, so that the programs may be run automatically when the document is opened, this provides a distinct mechanism by which viruses can be spread. This is why it may be dangerous to open unexpected attachments in e-mails. Modern antivirus software detects macro viruses as well as Macro Viruses.

A macro virus is a virus that is written in a macro language, that is, a language built into a software application such as a word processor. In software applications such as those of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access, small programs called macros have been intended to save time and to allow developers to create interactive databases, spreadsheets, documents and automate tasks. However if they are abused and fall in the wrong hands they can be designed to delete and corrupt important data files, as a result of which a lot of time and money will be lost.

Some applications especially parts of Microsoft Office allow macro programs to be embedded in documents, so that the programs may be run automatically when the document is opened. This provides a unique way by which macro viruses can be spread.

Macro viruses also spread from file downloads and from working and saving files on an infected computer. Once the application opens a file that contains a macro virus, the virus can infect the system. When triggered, it will begin to embed itself in other documents and templates, as well as future ones created. It may corrupt other parts of the system as well to. When the infected documents are shared with other users and systems, the virus will spread. The macro virus has also been known to install software on a system without the users consent as it can be used to look up software on the internet, go through with downloading and installing the software through the use of automated key-presses etc. However, this is uncommon as it is usually unprofitable for the virus coder since the installed software is usually noticed and uninstalled by the user.

Today, macro viruses are not as common and widespread as they once were due to the efforts made by Microsoft towards the prevention of Macro viruses. However, they still remain a danger to those who do not take cautions and do not understand macro viruses.

As a general rule, it is often best not to accept files with macros embedded in them or to use macros created by other people. Doing a bit of research on the Internet about the use of macros can help a user create macro files for their own use and lessen the likelihood of a macro virus infection. If a user must download a macro template or file containing macros, the source of the download should be trusted and verified to be virus free.


source: freetechexams