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Macro security levels
 

The following information summarizes how macro (macro: An action or a set of actions that you can use to automate tasks. Macros are recorded in the Visual Basic for Applications programming language.) virus protection works under each setting on the Security Level tab in the Security dialog box (Tools menu, Macro submenu) under different conditions. Under all settings, if antivirus software that works with Microsoft Office 2003 is installed and the file contains macros, the file is scanned for known viruses (virus: A computer program or macro that "infects" computer files by inserting copies of itself into those files. When the infected file is loaded into memory, the virus can infect other files. Viruses often have harmful side effects.) before it is opened.

Security  Because macros can contain viruses, be careful about running them. Take the following precautions: run up-to-date antivirus software on your computer; set your macro security level to high; clear the Trust all installed add-ins and templates check box; use digital signatures; maintain a list of trusted publishers.

ShowHigh

Unsigned macros

The file can be opened only if the user chooses to trust the author and certification authority.

Signed macros

The source of the macro and the status of the signature (digital signature: An electronic, encryption-based, secure stamp of authentication on a macro or document. This signature confirms that the macro or document originated from the signer and has not been altered.) determine how signed macros are handled.

ShowA trusted source. Signature is valid.

Macros are automatically enabled, and the file is opened.

ShowAn unknown author. Signature is valid.

A dialog box is displayed with information about the certificate (digital certificate: Attachment for a file, macro project, or e-mail message that vouches for authenticity, provides secure encryption, or supplies a verifiable signature. To digitally sign macro projects, you must install a digital certificate.). The file can be opened only if the user chooses to trust the author and certification authority. A network administrator can lock the list of trusted sources and prevent the user from adding the developer to the list and opening the file.

ShowAny author. Signature is invalid.

The signature might not be valid due to several reasons. For more information on files and VBA projects with invalid signatures, see the Help topic Troubleshoot macro security level and warnings. User is warned that signature is invalid, and the file is not opened.

ShowAny author. Signature validation is not possible because public key is missing or incompatible encryption methods were used.

User is warned that signature validation is not possible, and the file is not opened.

ShowAny author. The signature was made after the certificate had expired or had been revoked.

User is warned that the signature has expired or been revoked, and the file is not opened.

ShowMedium

Unsigned macros

User is prompted to open the database or cancel the operation. If the user chooses to cancel the operation, the database is not opened.

Signed macros

The source of the macro and the status of the signature (digital signature: An electronic, encryption-based, secure stamp of authentication on a macro or document. This signature confirms that the macro or document originated from the signer and has not been altered.) determine how signed macros are handled.

ShowA trusted source. Signature is valid.

Macros are automatically enabled, and the file is opened.

ShowAn unknown author. Signature is valid.

A dialog box is displayed with information about the certificate. The user is prompted to open the file or cancel the operation. The user can choose to trust the developer and certification authority. If the user chooses to cancel the operation, then the file is not opened.

ShowAny author. Signature is invalid.

The signature might not be valid due to several reasons. For more information on files and VBA projects with invalid signatures, see the Help topic Troubleshoot macro security level and warnings.

ShowAny author. Signature validation is not possible because public key is missing or incompatible encryption methods were used.

User is warned that signature validation is not possible. User is prompted to open the file or cancel the operation. If the user chooses to cancel the operation, then the file is not opened.

ShowAny author. The signature was made after the certificate had expired or had been revoked, and then the file is not opened.

User is warned that the signature has expired or been revoked. User is prompted to open the file or cancel the operation. If the user chooses to cancel the operation, then the file is not opened.

ShowLow

When security it set to low, all macros are treated equally, regardless of origin or certificate status. With low security, you receive no prompt or signature validation, and macros are automatically enabled. Use this setting only if you are certain that all macros in your files are from trusted sources.

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