Beware Documents with Passwords - Daily Security Byte - Secplicity

For a long time, criminals have used password protected Zip files to try to evade security controls. There are many security products, including our Firebox appliance, that scan compressed archives to look for malware. However, if the archive is encrypted, these controls can’t see into it until you decrypt it. Luckily, products like our Firebox can also recognize when Zip files have passwords, and allow you to block them.

However, criminals have a new but similar trick up their sleeves. Now they’re using encrypted Office documents to evade security controls. Unfortunately, this trick can be effective, but only if you don’t know what to look for. Watch today’s video to learn more about these password protected Office documents, and recent campaigns that try to exploit them. Luckily, with a little awareness, it’s an easy trap to avoid.