Beware Your Microsoft Office Attachments

Several years ago, it was popular amongst virus writers to use Microsoft Office documents (Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, etc.) to cause you problems. Fortunately, the Anti-Virus companies have largely made these viruses a thing to be forgotten as they protect us against these so-called Macro Viruses.

And so, we may have become a little complacent in working with these types of files. Be complacent no more! There have recently been several new security issues that stem from problems in Microsoft Office software. Simply by opening a specially crafted spreadsheet or presentation, you can find yourself with problems!

Take for instance, the most recent issue brought-to-light in Microsoft PowerPoint. Many companies use PowerPoint in their day-to-day work. Certainly it's not uncommon for PowerPoint presentations to be shared via e-mail between workers and even between different companies. Well, by opening a PowerPoint document, you could be allowing someone else to run software on your computer, without you knowing about it! There is some speculation that foreign companies and/or governments are using these issues to retrieve your private documents and data and send them back to 'home base'.

Fortunately, the Anti-Virus companies are working to identify and detect these problems to keep you safe. But always practise 'safe email' and never open an attachment that you're not expecting. Be aware that many viruses can appear to be sent from a friend or colleague, so if in doubt - pick up the phone and call them!