Implementing Security in VBA

GUIDED BY: Mr. Vishal Barot L.D.R.P

PREPARED BY: Jenil Shah (100303111007) Nirav Prajapati (100303111010)

Contents
Introduction Macro viruses Spreading macro viruses Digital signatures Advantages of digital signature Protecting VBA code

Introduction
Macros are created to save time but some times sharing of macros is risky because macro virus can damage computer.

For security purpose in a computer, Microsoft has provided some security mechanism in office programs that make the sharing of macros harder in application.

Macro Viruses
In VBA, when a macro is written to perform harmful actions in a computer such type of macro is called macro viruses.

Harmful actions like to create or delete files, to manipulate the existing data, or to control other application.
Macro virus is written in MS Word, MS Excel by using VBA.

Conti..
In July 1995, the first macro virus, called concept, was announced, which attacked on the Microsoft word. Viruses were written in an assembly language that requires limited amount of knowledge. A macro viruses contained in those office application files that are frequently exchanged between two or more users.

Spreading macro viruses

Add themselves automatically to your existing documents or newly created documents. Spread with the exchange of document between two users. Spread using email application, for instance, outlook.

Setting macro security levels

Click start All programs Microsoft office word 2007 Click office button Click word option button Select the Trust Center Tab in the left pane of the word options dialog box. Select the macro setting tab in the left pane of the trust center dialog box. Select an option under the macro settings Click OK.

Digital signature
A digital signature is defined as a secure stamp of authentication on a macro or document so that the macro or document cannot be altered by anyone.

This macro can be access by creator or signer of the macro or document.

Advantages of digital signature

Assure the creator of the macro that the macro cannot be altered by the user who run the macro. Assure the user of macro that it is safe to use macro because a macro that has no digital signature associated with it can behave like a virus.

Protecting VBA code

Rather than adding digital signature and setting security level, we can also secure our macro by applying password. Applying password helps you to prevent the unauthorized access to your code. With help of applying password users cannot mess up with your code.

Thank you