Microsoft changes its mind on blocking Office macros once again

Date:
Tue, 12 Jul 2022 12:02:41 +0000

Description:
It's still blocking Office macros - just not yet.

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Microsofts decision not to block Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros
by default in Office applications is only temporary, as the company still plans on going through with the plan.

In a blog post updated last week, Microsoft principal product manager, Kellie Eickmeyer noted that, Following user feedback, we have rolled back this
change temporarily while we make some additional changes to enhance
usability.

"This is a temporary change, and we are fully committed to making the default change for all users. Abusing macros

While Microsoft did not go into details on what that specific user feedback was, and what it plans on doing next, reports have said the issue is one of user training.

The company reportedly planned to have Office users enable macros by specifically needing to unblock the option in the files properties. These steps, it claims, will require user training, which is something Microsoft is now allegedly looking to simplify.

Right now, enabling macros is just one click away, as the option is served as a prompt in the upper part of the app. Microsofts plan was to replace this feature with a link, sending users to a support website holding the instructions.

Macros allow Office files to download files from the internet and run arbitrary code, and as such have been the perfect tool for cybercriminals looking to compromise corporate networks. Companies responded by tightening
up their defenses with antivirus solutions, firewalls , employee training,
and security keys. Read more

Microsoft slammed over slow security patching

Microsoft Excel is making a big change to protect against malware

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Theyve been so successful in abusing the functionality that Microsoft was eventually forced to shut it down, completely.

The change was scheduled to go live last month before Microsoft abruptly decided to postpone. Sme users were not satisfied with the change, saying
that it wont help improve the security posture, but rather expose user endpoints to even more risk. These are the best security keys right now

Via: The Verge



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-changes-its-mind-on-blocking-office-m acros-once-again/


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