VBA macros to be blocked by default

Macros – the bane of IT administrators everywhere!

Used by malicious actors for decades to deliver all kinds of nastiness to computers from viruses to ransomware, is soon to be blocked by default.

This change only affects Office on Windows devices and the following applications: Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Word.

At a future date, Microsoft also plans to make this change to volume licensed versions of Office LTSC 2021, Office 2019, Office 2016, and Office 2013.

The below banner will now show in Microsoft office applications as specified above.

The Learn More button goes to an article for end-users and information workers that contains information about the security risk of bad actors using macros, safe practices to prevent phishing and malware, and instructions on how to enable these macros (if absolutely needed).

This change should lead to a slow down in one of the main delivery sources of viruses and ransomware. A change that is long overdue.

What do you have to do for this change to take effect? Nothing! This change will be implemented in the month of June 2022 for Office 365 subscribers.