What Exactly Is A Macro Virus?

Author: Lee Ives

If you have ever used Microsoft Word then you will have an idea of what a macro is.

Macros are automated sets of instructions which you can give inside a word document (or excel spreadsheets for that matter) such that these commands can then be executed when required.

A macro virus typically does not affect Windows program files but, instead, targets your Office files, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

One of the most dangerous effects of a macro virus is that they are platform independent and once you open the infected file the virus replicates itself and then spreads to other files and programs and thus they can be very destructive.

SYMPTOMS OF A MACRO VIRUS ATTACK

1. You may be prompted to enter a password for a non-encrypted file

2. You may see words like "WAZZU" at certain locations.

3. When you are trying to save a file the only options available may be just .dot or something other (.doc will vanish).

4. Receive unexpected messages when you try to open a macro virus infected file.

How Do I Remove A Macro Virus?

One of the basic methods is to remove the automatic execution of macros when you open a Word document.

To do this make sure that when you open a Word document you hold down the shift key.

This prevents Word from loading any macros in the memory.

Nowadays Microsoft Word comes with an inbuilt protection form macro virus which is activated by default meaning that this type of virus is not a great concern these days.

Just make sure that you have not turned the macro protection off!

You can refer the documentation that comes with Word for more information on this subject.

Learn more about the different types of computer virus.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/what-exactly-is-a-macro-virus-2245820.html

About the Author

Lee Ives writes more about computer viruses and internet security on his blog.