Fri Nov 20th, 2020
The KnowBe4 Security Team
Categories: News
Tags: cybercriminal’s malware, Enable Content, macro (macroinstruction), macro-enabled Excel files, malware, McAfee, Scam of the Week, The KnowBe4 Security Team
One of the most common ways that bad guys sneak malware onto your computer is through macro-enabled Excel files.
A macro (short for macroinstruction) is a set of commands that automate a process in Excel. When you open an Excel file that includes macros, you’ll see a security banner with the option to activate macros by clicking “Enable Content”.
Typically, malicious Excel files are attached to a phishing email. If you choose to open the attachment and enable macros, the file will automatically install the cybercriminal’s malware.
In a recent phishing attack, the macro-enabled Excel attachment is designed to look like a Windows Defender help page. The spoofed help page provides easy-to-follow instructions on how to click the “Enable Content” button. To establish additional credibility, the file includes logos of well-known security vendors like McAfee.
If you fall for this trick and enable macros, a dangerous piece of malware is installed onto your computer and cybercriminals will have complete access to your system.
Follow these tips to stay safe: