Macro virus

<p>In <a href="/facts/Computing/Kghtm9fX">computing</a> terminology, a macro virus is a <a href="/facts/Computer_virus/IyTC1usq">virus</a> that is written in a <a href="/facts/Macro_(computer_science)/7abAsm1o">macro</a> <a href="/facts/Programming_language/cWTYbgWa">language</a>: a programming language which is embedded inside a software application (e.g., word processors and spreadsheet applications). Some applications, such as <a href="/facts/Microsoft_Office/faD8vYG0">Microsoft Office</a>, <a href="/facts/Microsoft_Office/faD8vYG0">Excel</a>, <a href="/facts/Microsoft_Office/faD8vYG0">PowerPoint</a>  allow macro programs to be embedded in documents such that the macros are run automatically when the document is opened, and this provides a distinct mechanism by which malicious computer instructions can spread. This is one reason it can be dangerous to open unexpected <a href="/facts/E-mail_attachment/RIDQoxds">attachments</a> in <a href="/facts/E-mail/6pD9GLtI">e-mails</a>. Many <a href="/facts/Antivirus_software/GGMqsfkJ">antivirus programs</a> can detect macro viruses; however, the macro virus' behavior can still be difficult to detect.
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Macro virus open-in-new

Macro virus