Excel Macro Virus Risks in 2026: What Everyone Should Know

Many people use Microsoft Excel every day for simple tasks like tracking budgets or more complex ones like analyzing data for work. Excel is powerful because of features like macros, which are small programs that automate repetitive jobs. These macros use a coding language called Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). But this power comes with dangers. Bad actors can hide harmful code in macros, creating what we call macro viruses. These viruses can steal your data, lock your files, or even take over your computer when you open an infected file.

As we approach 2026, macro virus risks are still a big concern. Even with better security from Microsoft, attackers find new ways to trick people. Reports show that macro-based attacks dropped in the early 2020s but started rising again by 2025. This post explains everything in simple terms: what macro viruses are, why they matter in 2026, how Microsoft is fighting them, real examples, and easy steps to protect yourself. We'll also talk about safer options, like using trusted templates from sites such as SpreadsheetsHub.com, which offers clean, professional designs for budgets, habit trackers, and more.

What Are Macro Viruses and How Do They Work?

A macro virus is bad software hidden inside an Excel file that has macros enabled. These files usually end with .xlsm or .xltm, unlike regular .xlsx files that can't run macros. When you open the file, Excel might ask if you want to "Enable Content" to use the macros. If you say yes and the macro is malicious, the virus starts working.

Macro viruses have been around for decades. One early example was the Melissa virus in 1999, which spread through email and infected millions of computers by running automatically. Another was the ILOVEYOU virus in 2000, which used similar tricks. Back then, macros ran without much warning, making it easy for viruses to spread.

Today, in 2025 and heading into 2026, macro viruses are smarter. Attackers send fake emails with attachments that look like important documents, such as "2026 Budget Tracker" or "Invoice Update." The email might say, "Click Enable Macros to view the full content." Once enabled, the virus can download more malware, steal passwords, or encrypt your files for ransom.

Why do they still work? Because people often trust what looks familiar. Plus, some viruses use old techniques like Excel 4.0 macros (also called XLM), which are harder for antivirus programs to spot. In 2025, experts noted a rise in these older macros as attackers adapt to new defenses.

The Growing Risks in 2026

You might wonder why macro viruses are still a threat in 2026, with all the modern technology. The answer is simple: Excel is everywhere, and people rely on macros for work. Businesses use them to automate reports, and individuals use them for personal finance. But this makes Excel a top target for cybercriminals.

Key risks include:

1. Data Theft: A virus can quietly copy sensitive info like bank details from your spreadsheet and send it to hackers.
2. Ransomware Attacks: Your files get locked, and you have to pay to get them back. Ransomware gangs have shifted tactics but still use macros sometimes.
3. System Takeover: The macro can run commands to control your computer, install spyware, or spread to other devices on your network.
4. Financial Loss: For companies, a single infected file can cause downtime, leading to lost money. Cybercrime costs trillions globally each year, and macros play a part.

In 2025, reports showed a surge in attacks using Excel add-ins, jumping nearly 600% in some cases. Looking ahead to 2026, experts predict more AI-helped attacks. Hackers might use AI to create convincing fake emails or hide code better. Hybrid work means more file sharing via email or cloud, increasing the chance of infection.

Even without macros, attackers use alternatives like Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) exploits. DDE lets data move between Office apps without macros, but bad code can still run commands, like opening a calculator or worse, downloading malware. Microsoft disabled DDE in some apps, but it's still a risk in Excel and Outlook.

How Attackers Are Changing Their Tactics

Attackers aren't stuck in the past. They evolve. In recent years, they've combined macros with social engineering—tricking people through phone calls or fake websites. For example, the BazarCall campaign sends spam about fake charges, then guides victims to enable macros over the phone.

They also hide macros behind passwords like "VelvetSweatshop" to dodge antivirus scans. Or they use macro-less methods like DDE to bypass blocks. In 2025, malware like Emotet and TrickBot still used Office files as entry points.

For 2026, expect more of this. With unpatched Office versions lagging behind, vulnerabilities stay open longer. Businesses with old systems are especially at risk.

Microsoft's Efforts to Block Macro Viruses

Microsoft knows the dangers and has added strong protections. Since 2022, macros in files from the internet are blocked by default. This uses something called the "Mark of the Web" (MOTW). When you download a file, Windows marks it as untrusted. Excel then shows a "Security Risk" warning and won't run macros automatically.

Other features include:

• Antimalware Scan Interface (AMSI): Scans macro code in real-time.
• Trust Center Settings: You can disable macros completely or allow only signed ones.
• Digital Signatures: Macros from trusted sources can be signed, like a seal of approval.

In 2025, Microsoft updated to disable links to blocked file types, starting late 2025 into 2026. They also plan to deprecate some update channels in July 2025, pushing users to safer ones.

For businesses, tools like Group Policy let admins block macros network-wide. ThreatLocker and other software can enforce these rules easily.

In Excel 2026, expect better cloud support and cross-platform macros, but with tighter security like automatic updates for vulnerabilities.

Best Practices to Stay Safe in 2026

Protecting yourself is easy if you follow these steps:

1. Set Strict Macro Settings: In Excel, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Macro Settings. Choose "Disable all macros with notification."
2. Don't Enable Unknown Macros: If a file asks to enable content, close it unless you're sure it's safe.
3. Download from Trusted Sources: Use official sites or reputable providers like SpreadsheetsHub.com, which sells premium templates tested for safety. Their bestsellers collection includes macro-free options for budgeting and trading.
4. Scan Files: Use antivirus like Microsoft Defender or VirusTotal before opening.
5. Use Trusted Locations: Save safe files in special folders where macros can run without warnings.
6. Keep Everything Updated: Install patches regularly to fix known issues.
7. Inspect Code: Press Alt + F11 to view macros. Look for suspicious commands.
8. Train Yourself: Learn to spot phishing—bad emails often have errors.
9. Use Digital Signatures: Only run signed macros.
10. Backup Data: Save copies to avoid loss from ransomware.

For teams, set policies via config.office.com or Group Policy to block internet macros.

Alternatives to Risky Macros

You don't need macros for everything. Try these safer ways:

• Built-in Excel Tools: Use Power Query for data import, dynamic arrays for formulas, or LAMBDA for custom functions—all without code risks.
• Google Sheets: It's free, collaborative, and uses Apps Script, which is sandboxed and harder to exploit.
• Macro-Free Templates: Sites like SpreadsheetsHub.com provide customizable ones for Excel and Sheets, focusing on safety for tasks like crypto tracking or habit building.

For advanced needs, tools like Power Automate handle automation securely.

Real-Life Examples and Lessons

Real attacks show the dangers. In 2025, some firms faced breaches from macro-infected invoices, leading to fraud. Individuals lost data from fake budget files. But those who followed best practices avoided trouble.