macro virus

Macro viruses, unlike normal viruses, are created in a macro language and infect documents of the respective host application. Since macros can be used to automate recurring keystrokes and program sequences, computer viruses can be created and reproduced via macro programs.

Macro viruses are embedded in documents and are distributed via email when the files are accessed and shared. Because of this ease of distribution, macro viruses can cause enormous damage, for example by altering the numbers in a spreadsheet.

Protection against macro viruses is provided by anti- virus programs and protective functions in application programs. These can be warnings when opening a document...