What type of virus resides in a Word or Excel document?

A macro virus is specifically designed to infect documents created with applications like Microsoft Word or Excel. It operates by leveraging the macro features of these programs, which are designed to automate repetitive tasks. When a user opens an infected document, the macro virus is executed, allowing it to spread to other documents or systems.

Macro viruses can be particularly dangerous because they can be transmitted easily through file sharing or email attachments, making them a common vector for malware distribution. Users often unwittingly enable the execution of these viruses by allowing macros to run without realizing the potential risks involved.

In contrast, Trojan viruses rely on deceiving users into executing them, often disguised as legitimate software. Worms are self-replicating malware that spreads independently across networks. Boot sector viruses target the boot sector of storage devices, taking control when the system starts. Each of these types of malware operates through different mechanisms, highlighting the unique nature and risk posed by macro viruses within document files.