Microsoft is going to make major changes to the way Office handles macros. Office versions starting from 2013 and Microsoft 365 will receive the changes this year.
In a blog post, Microsoft announces that Office will now block Internet macros by default. Microsoft is making this adjustment to keep users safe, it indicates itself.
Macros are a kind of built-in programming language within Microsoft Office that allow users to automate functions. In a nutshell, they give a Word or Excel document the power of an executable file with, say, an .exe extension.
Unread warning
Research already showed that Office macros proved hugely popular in phishing attempts. As a user, Office always gives you a pop-up with warnings about the safety of macros. The only problem with this banner is that users easily activate macros with a single click.
However, Microsoft chooses to block only Internet macros by default. In addition, your Office version must not be older than 2013. In fact, Microsoft is making the update to versions from 2021, 2019, 2016 and 2013. Microsoft 365 will receive the update first. In April, the update will roll out as a preview to Microsoft 365, version 2203.
Group Policy
Organizations can readjust settings in group policy, making macros easy to use again. Files containing macros can be put in trusted locations for this purpose or digitally sign the macros.