Microsoft disables VBA macros in Office by default
Contrary to what was originally planned, Microsoft now wants to enforce a standard blockade of so-called Visual Basic (VBA) macros in Office applications after all. Originally, it seemed as if Microsoft wanted to wait longer with a planned standard setting. Now, however, the Redmond company declares that it wants to stick to the original plan.
For years, hackers have often used so-called Visual Basic macros (VBA) to infiltrate malware via Office documents. It is therefore an advantage if these are not activated for the general public as soon as documents are downloaded from the Internet. Currently, an activation button pops up at the top of downloaded Office files to enable macros on the user side for downloaded content.
Easier setting planned?
How "The Verge" writes, Microsoft has now its planned changes from last week, surprising IT administrators who had been preparing for Microsoft to prevent Office users from easily activating macros in documents downloaded from the Internet in the future. The planned security change was originally scheduled for June, before Microsoft reversed the lock on June 30.
However, Microsoft has not yet explained the planned changes to improve the usability in more detail. It is not yet entirely clear what the change will look like in detail. The initial plan was to force Office users to enable macros by clicking an unblock option in a file's properties. However, these additional steps will require user training. It is possible that this input from users prompted Microsoft to make the planned security setting simpler.
The tech portal points to a statement from Kellie Eickmeyer, principal product manager at Microsoft, from a Blogpost. This is a temporary change and the company is still determined to introduce the originally planned change for all users.
Source: The Verge
