PrintThe basic differences between macro viruses and other types of viruses are how they are created and how they are spread. A regular virus is written expressly to reproduce and spread from computer to computer. Most target the boot sector of your computer and activate when you start your system. Macro viruses, on the other hand, are often created by user error and are spread via the macro features of programs like Microsoft Word and Excel.
A macro is a series of commands grouped together as a single command in order to expedite time-consuming procedures. In the process of creating these shortcuts, users sometimes unknowingly record harmful macros in their documents and pass them on to other users. If another user opens the file with the macro feature enabled, the macro virus may infect their computer.
There are more than 2,000 documented macro viruses, and more appear every day. Most are written specifically for Microsoft Word and Excel, so if you don't use those programs, you're in little danger of being infected by a macro virus. However, don't let the threat of viruses deter your use of these programs; the macro features of Word and Excel are extremely powerful.
Just be on your guard: Your best defense against macro viruses is to install antivirus software and to keep it updated with the latest virus information.
