Virus in Word document? How to get it out

More and more viruses are being sent via supposedly harmless Word documents. We show you how to recognize such a virus and thus protect yourself effectively.

Word documents with viruses - how does it work?

• Word files usually consist only of text, images and links. A Word file is therefore usually quite harmless. However, the situation is problematic due to macros.
• Macros are small applications for Word, Excel and Co. that are supposed to automate tasks. Advanced users can work with Word easier and faster, but it can also open the door to a system for a virus.
• If you are asked whether you want to activate macros after opening a Word document, you should always decline. Once the macro has been activated, all access to your system is possible. The Locky virus has recently proven this.

Detect virus in Word document - how it works

• Since Office 2007, Word, Excel and Co. users have been better protected against macros. Just pay attention to the file extension. If the file ends in .docx, it does not contain a macro. Only .docm files contain macros, files with the .doc extension can contain macros.
• In most cases, the malicious Word documents are sent via email. Since spam emails are sometimes well camouflaged, you should always be vigilant about what you receive via email and especially from whom. Dubious attachments should generally not be opened at all.
• A virus check of the documents usually does not help much, since the virus does not appear from the outside. All the more important is anti-virus software that detects and removes the virus immediately after opening it.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to password-protect a Word file.