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A macro virus is malicious code written in an application’s macro language and embedded in a document. When a compatible application handles the document, the macro can run and, in some cases, infect other documents or templates. The practical rule: don’t enable active content in an unexpected file just to view it.
What is a macro virus?
NIST defines a macro virus as “a specific type of computer virus that is encoded as a macro embedded in some document and activated when the document is handled.” Unlike a virus that runs as a conventional executable, a macro virus uses code understood by a host application, such as a word processor or spreadsheet program. NIST classifies macro viruses as interpreted viruses; scripting viruses, by contrast, are written for an operating-system service. NIST CSRC glossary; NIST SP 800-83.
“Macro malware” is a broader practical term for malicious use of macro functionality. Not every malicious document is a self-replicating virus: a macro may instead run code that downloads or launches another kind of malware. Microsoft’s overview describes macro malware used to deliver ransomware and other malware. Microsoft Learn.
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The document is the carrier, and the host application interprets its macro code. A macro virus may infect other application documents or a template. An infected template can then affect documents created or opened with it, extending the infection beyond the original file. People sharing infected documents can help spread it. NIST SP 800-83.
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Microsoft describes macro malware arriving in Office files attached to email or inside ZIP archives. Lures may look like invoices, receipts, or legal documents, and a fake warning may urge the recipient to enable macros. In recent Office versions, macros are disabled by default; many such attacks therefore depend on persuading a user to allow the content. Microsoft Learn; Microsoft Support.
Which files can contain Office macros?
File extensions can help identify Microsoft 365 documents that support embedded macros. They are a clue, not proof that a file is safe or unsafe.
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| Application | Macro-capable extension | Common non-macro extension |
|---|---|---|
| Word | .docm |
.docx |
| Excel | .xlsm |
.xlsx |
| PowerPoint | .pptm |
.pptx |
Microsoft also treats items such as ActiveX controls, COM add-ins, and Microsoft 365 add-ins as active content. A filename alone cannot establish what a file contains, whether its contents are trustworthy, or whether it is malicious. Microsoft Support.
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In current Microsoft 365 guidance, active content generally does not run automatically unless the file is trusted or opened from a trusted location. An Office warning may offer an Enable Content option. Treat that prompt as a security decision, not a routine step needed to read the document. Microsoft’s guidance is: “Do not select Enable Content unless you’re certain that you know exactly what that active content does, even if the file appears to come from a person or organization that you trust.” Microsoft Support.
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A familiar sender is not enough to establish that an attachment is safe: a message can be unexpected, misleading, or sent from an account that has been compromised. If you are unsure why a document needs active content, verify the request through a separate trusted channel instead of enabling it.
How can you reduce the risk?
- Do not enable macros or other active content in an unexpected attachment just to view it.
- If a task does not require macros, leave them disabled.
- Be cautious with Office files and ZIP attachments you did not expect, especially when a message pressures you to enable content.
- Keep anti-malware protection current. Microsoft says modern anti-malware software should detect and block known macro viruses, but that is not a guarantee against every threat.
Microsoft 365 itself does not scan files or locations to find and delete macro viruses. Office’s macro protections and anti-malware software serve different roles; neither makes it safe to approve an untrusted prompt. Microsoft Support.
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What organizations can do
Organizations can set macro defaults centrally and use Microsoft Defender Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules to block executable content launched by macro malware. These controls can reduce exposure across managed devices, but they are defense in depth rather than a reason to trust an unexpected document. Microsoft Learn.
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The underlying technique remains relevant, but current Office defaults differ from the older environment in which macros could execute more readily. Microsoft’s current explanation describes attacks that commonly rely on users enabling macros. NIST’s examples—Concept, Marker, and Melissa—are historical examples in its technical guide, not evidence that those families are prevalent today. The cited sources do not establish a current prevalence statistic for macro viruses.
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