A macro virus is a virus written in one of the many macro languages. Macro viruses spread via infected files, such as documents, spreadsheets, databases or any computer program that allows the use of macro languages. Macro viruses are possible due to the nature of macros and macro languages. Macros are series of commands used to perform software application tasks, such as text formatting. Designed to automate tasks, macros are activated when an assigned keystroke combination, menu item or toolbar item are selected.
Macro language allows macros to be modified and to use the power of the application to replicate.
Macro viruses are self-replicating macros. Macro viruses are spread as the viral macro copies itself, infiltrating files that are opened. As these files are shared, so are the macro viruses. Macro viruses may change or delete file contents. Most macro viruses are written for Microsoft Word and Excel, however macro viruses exist for Lotus AmiPro.