Macro-based Attack Deploys Malware by Hijacking Desktop and Quick Launch Shortcuts

Macro is a useful tool in the hands of Excel, Word and Power point users. A macro is a series of stored commands and functions that can be recalled to perform repetitive tasks. This enables user to carry out their routine tasks faster and reduce their time and efforts to a great extent.

Not only this, Macros also facilitate users in creating graphs and charts, retrieving or transferring the data, sorting and clearing cell contents and much more.

 As macro has become a valuable tool for users to carry out their routine tasks conveniently, cyber Miscreants have evolved innovative ways to deliver malware using macros.

A recent case reveals that a new attack makes use of macros in a more roundabout way. Macros by default are disabled in recent versions of Microsoft office. However, the malicious documents delivered to users often contain text asking users to enable macro execution. Since this functionality is sometimes used legitimately in enterprise environments, some users might fall for the trick.

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