Definition | Macro Virus (M) | Futura Technology – zimo news

Macro virus is a malicious software It uses the macro command programming language used in office software to perform common operations. Macro viruses can alter these commands so that they can execute and threaten the integrity of the data.

What is a macro virus?

you query Definition of Macro Virus ? This is a Computer Virus who speak the same language computer science than Office suite programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. In effect, the malware leverages user-used macros (i.e. predefined automations) to actually execute malicious commands.

For example, an active macro virus can prevent the recording of files, modify their contents, control the storage of data, or even destroy them.

Unlike other attacks such as ransomware Where Spyware, Macro viruses do not cause significant damage, such as data theft, they mainly impair the normal functioning of the work environment or cause loss of information. Their danger comes from the high probability of being distributed in the first place, as a simple infected “.doc” or “.xls” file could damage other computers.

Because that’s it, As pointed out by the famous Avast antivirusThis” Macro viruses target software, not systems […] and can infect any operating system “. Holder computer Like from Mac so can see their software from office automation pretentious.

Microsoft Software, Privileged Target

Given their massive deployment in companies and individuals, Excel and Word office software are targets for macro viruses.

if not using antivirus software or without expert intervention. However, certain signals alert you and cause you to think your computer is behaving suspiciously:

• A sudden slowdown may indicate automation is going on without you realizing it;
• Some of your files are no longer open, or if you provided password you have never entered before;
• Files and files cannot be found or are completely corrupted;
• Some of your contacts notified you of a suspicious email from you that you didn’t send.

Therefore, software from the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) are the most targeted by macro viruses because they are so large diffusion. By default, they activate protection against executing macro viruses, but no one is safe from attack, so it’s important to be cautious.Some cybersecurity professionals choose Training against giant virus Enables companies to protect their data and workstations.

How are they distributed?

this software Malware can be spread through spoofed emails or URLs.Download infected attachments or transfer corrupt documents by using keys USB is one of the most common spreads.

Here are some tips to minimize risk.These are good responses to try less Network attacks. This concerns macro viruses, but also all other types of viruses deployed at scale:

• Do not open suspicious attachments. At best if you know the sender, ask him to confirm that this is indeed one of his shipments before clicking.
• The same goes for links. For example, if a link is emailed to you, you can hover (but not click) your mouse cursor to see the target URL at the bottom left of the screen. A URL with an unknown name or a URL without any logical addition of characters will definitely turn into a suspicious link.

E-mail is the carrier of dissemination of information Lots of. All you have to do is send an infected file in order to cause damage to the recipient’s computer.

The most famous macro virus

one of the macro virus The most famous is called Melissa. It raged in 1999. It seems like a long time ago, but this attack is still one of the most widespread and severe in the macro virus category.

Malware runs in the background by exploiting certain features of Word 97 and Word 2000 pass through appearance send email The subject is “Important message from…” and contains a file attached to the first 50 contacts in the address book. Within 50 messages, the virus went viral.

Another specific and recent case: the first macro virus for computers running macOS. Detected quickly, the latter does not cause much harm to the user.However, it looks like this macro virus checks for the presence of firewall and install, if it doesn’t exist, another malicious software Intend to espionage.

Apple devices are less risky than Microsoft devices, so are not completely immune to viruses and can also be targeted by macro viruses!