CheckPoint: The Risk of Macros
CheckPoint: The Risk of Macros
Based on the Lenning (2005), article and reading from the Microsoft web site a user should accept the primary security that is placed on the user’s computer by Microsoft. The security’s purpose is to protect the computer’s hardware as well as the data saved to the computer. Unknown macros downloaded by the user may cause the Microsoft security system to think it has a virus. The user must be cautious when choosing whether to use a signed or unsigned macro. Many unsigned macros are automatically disabled. (Microsoft, 2002). It is important to educate users of these risks once their dilemma is resolved. The continued alerts sent by the Microsoft security system to Microsoft itself will educate the user and the program as to whether or not a macro is a virus or not. Another reason it is important is because the user might be receiving alerts that there are viruses or some sort of security issue to the user’s computer. The worst type of macros is an actual virus and this virus may not be recognized by a security program. Macros may also unintentionally delete data or information the user saved on the computer and could be deleted by the computer for no apparent reason.
To ensure the risks are minimized when using MS Excel on their computer, you should limit any unwanted users to login or to use your computer. The owner/user can control or limit unwanted email, viruses, spam, cookies and any other types of unwanted Internet searches. These unwanted searches often attempt to obtain the user’s personal information, which can also infect the computer with a virus. The best way to protect the user’s personal and their computer is to use protected passwords and stay aware when searching and browsing the web. Users should never give their password or personal information to others unless they feel it is safe to do so.
Based on the Lenning (2005), article and reading from the Microsoft web site a user should accept the primary security that is placed on the user’s computer by Microsoft. The security’s purpose is to protect the computer’s hardware as well as the data saved to the computer. Unknown macros downloaded by the user may cause the Microsoft security system to think it has a virus. The user must be cautious when choosing whether to use a signed or unsigned macro. Many unsigned macros are automatically disabled. (Microsoft, 2002). It is important to educate users of these risks once their dilemma is resolved. The continued alerts sent by the Microsoft security system to Microsoft itself will educate the user and the program as to whether or not a macro is a virus or not. Another reason it is important is because the user might be receiving alerts that there are viruses or some sort of security issue to the user’s computer. The worst type of macros is an actual virus and this virus may not be recognized by a security program. Macros may also unintentionally delete data or information the user saved on the computer and could be deleted by the computer for no apparent reason.
To ensure the risks are minimized when using MS Excel on their computer, you should limit any unwanted users to login or to use your computer. The owner/user can control or limit unwanted email, viruses, spam, cookies and any other types of unwanted Internet searches. These unwanted searches often attempt to obtain the user’s personal information, which can also infect the computer with a virus. The best way to protect the user’s personal and their computer is to use protected passwords and stay aware when searching and browsing the web. Users should never give their password or personal information to others unless they feel it is safe to do so.