Macro Viruses

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 Macro Viruses 

One of the most infamous virus incidents of all time, the Melissa virus of the late ‘90s, was none other than a macro virus. A Melissa-infected PC would hijack the user’s Microsoft Outlook email system and send virus-laden messages to the first 50 addresses in their mailing lists. The virus propagated at an incredible speed, and caused astounding damage worldwide: an estimated $80 million for cleaning and repairing affected systems and networks. Though the heyday of the macro virus may have passed, these attacks continue, and they’re not just targeting Microsoft Windows anymore: recent attacks have targeted Mac users as well

What you need to know: A macro virus is a computer virus written in the same macro language that is used for software applications. Some applications, like Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint allow macro programs to be embedded in documents such that the macros are run automatically when the document is opened, and this provides a distinct mechanism by which malicious computer instructions can spread. This is one reason it can be dangerous to open unexpected attachments in emails, or emails from unrecognized senders. Many antivirus programs can detect macro viruses, however the macro virus’ behavior can still be difficult to detect.

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