Used to opening excel files and enabling macros? Be extra careful.
Before you click that permission button, it’s important to understand how dangerous macros can possibly be.
A malicious macro that you run unwittingly may damage or completely delete files on your hard drive, mess up your data, and even corrupt your Microsoft Office installation. For this reason, Excel’s default setting is to disable all macros with notification.
One of the most common ways that bad guys sneak malware onto your computer is through macro-enabled Excel files. A macro (short for macroinstruction) is a set of commands that automate a process in Excel. When you open an Excel file that includes macros, you’ll see a security banner with the option to activate macros by clicking “Enable Content”. Typically, malicious Excel files are attached to a phishing email. If you choose to open the attachment and enable macros, the file will automatically install the cybercriminal’s malware.
According to Knowbe4, in a recent phishing attack, the macro-enabled Excel attachment is designed to look like a Windows Defender help page. The spoofed help page provides easy-to-follow instructions on how to click the “Enable Content” button. To establish additional credibility, the file includes logos of well-known security vendors like McAfee. If you fall for this trick and enable macros, a dangerous piece of malware is installed onto your computer and cybercriminals will have complete access to your system.
Follow these tips to stay safe:
If you need assistance with your cybersecurity contact DarkHound Secops ay [email protected]
Source: Knowbe4
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