macro protection for University-managed macOS devices
As of 23 January 2023, we are introducing macro protection to University-managed macOS devices. This will improve the security of University-managed macOS devices.
What are macros
Macros can add a lot of functionality to Office and are a powerful way to automate common tasks, but they are often used by people with bad intentions to use this functionality to infect your device.
Macros aren't required for everyday use like reading or editing a document in Word or using Excel workbooks. In most cases, you can do everything you need to do in Office without allowing macros to run.
Protection when using Macros
A notification bar was introduced in January 2022, which offered enhanced protection when using macros. Whilst the notifications alerted users to these macros, they could still enable the macros by clicking a button. We need to go further to protect University accounts from the potential risks associated with macros.
Blocking Macros in files obtained from the internet
For your protection, we need to make it more difficult to enable macros in files obtained from the internet. Therefore, from Wednesday 3 August, it will no longer be possible to enable macro content with a click of a button.
This protection will apply whenever you are signed into your University Microsoft 365 account, even when using your personal computer or laptop.
This enhancement will only affect Office on devices running Windows and only Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Word.