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SECURITY
Essential Eight
Restrict Microsoft Office Macros
Restrict Microsoft Office Macros: Block a Common Pathway of Cyberattacks
Keep your business safe by blocking harmful macros in documents
How ‘Restrict Microsoft Office Macros’ Supports the Essential Eight
Restricting macros is a key step in the Essential Eight strategy.
Prevent Breaches by Stopping Malicious Macros
Restrict Microsoft Office Macros with a Consistent, Controlled, and Compliant Way
Cybercriminals often hide harmful code inside Microsoft Office documents. These documents look normal but can run “macros”; small programs that, if malicious, can quickly spread malware, lock your files, or steal data. Many attacks begin with a single macro from an email attachment or a downloaded file. Without restrictions in place, these macros become a direct pathway into your most valuable systems and data.
At Exigo Tech, we help organisations apply strong, automated macro restrictions. Our method ensures only trusted macros can run, keeping your business aligned with the Essential Eight, meeting compliance goals, and supporting a Zero Trust security, all while keeping work simple for your teams.
Want to block one of the easiest ways hackers get in? Start here.
How ‘Restrict Microsoft Office Macros’ Supports the Essential Eight
Restricting macros is a key step in the Essential Eight strategy. It is designed to eliminate one of the most common attack vectors used in phishing and targeted malware campaigns. This strategy focuses on preventing macros from running in files from the internet or untrusted locations, reducing the opportunity for malicious code execution. This greatly reduces the chances of a successful phishing or malware attack. With this control, your organisation reduces risk, increases resilience, and demonstrates a proactive approach to security.
Strategic alignment:
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Eliminates a widely used method for ransomware and targeted attacks
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Supports Zero Trust by only allowing macros from verified, trusted sources
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Helps meet compliance requirements with ACSC, ISO 27001, and ISMS standards
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Works alongside other Essential Eight measures like MFA and Application Control
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Reduces exposure from remote work and BYOD scenarios where file sources are harder to control
Benefits:
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Prevents costly cyber incidents caused by macro-based attacks
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Protects your organisation’s reputation by avoiding public breaches
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Reduces phishing success rates by neutralising macro-enabled payloads
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Avoids downtime caused by malware infections
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Improves visibility into risks from untrusted documents
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Saves time for teams by automating macro restrictions
How We Restrict Microsoft Office Macros: Microsoft Intune & Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Our macro restriction service leverages Microsoft Intune Policies and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, ensuring full coverage across your organisation. Intune provides centralised, policy-driven control to block untrusted macros. Defender continuously monitors for and stops malicious macro activity in real time. This ensures your macro control is not just configured but continuously validated against your Essential Eight maturity objectives and Zero Trust standards.
Why Microsoft Intune Policies?
- Enforces macro restrictions across all Office apps
- Blocks macros from untrusted or external sources
- Allows approved macros without disrupting work
- Instantly updates macro rules on all devices
- Integrates with identity-based access controls
- Provides clear, audit-ready compliance reports
The business benefits:
- Reduces the risk of damaging cyberattacks
- Saves time and money through automation
- Maintains productivity while securing files
- Keeps safe macros running for business continuity
- Supports remote and hybrid work with cloud-delivered enforcement
- Prevents macro-based breaches
Why Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
- Monitors for attempted macro execution and flags suspicious activity
- Blocks suspicious documents before they cause harm
- Adapts to new macro attack methods
- Sends real-time alerts for macro threats
- Integrates with Intune for unified visibility
- Delivers insights into targeted attacks using advanced threat analytics
The business benefits:
- Reduces financial and reputational risk
- Reduces the chance of widespread impact
- Enhances overall security posture without adding operational complexity
- Faster detection and response to threats
- Clear, easy-to-understand reports for leadership
- Supports continuous Zero Trust validation
Achieve Maturity Level 3 in Restrict Microsoft Office Macros with Exigo Tech
The Essential Eight Maturity Model measures how effectively macro restrictions are applied and enforced:
Level 0
No restrictions; macros can run from any document
Level 1
Basic restrictions applied but inconsistent coverage
Level 2
Restrictions applied to most devices, but gaps remain
Level 3
Restrictions fully enforced on all devices, with automation and monitoring
We help you reach and stay at Maturity Level 3. That means your rules are enforced on every device, checked regularly, and fully aligned with the Essential Eight and Zero Trust approach, closing one of the most common gaps attackers use.
What Sets Exigo Tech Apart
We are already operating at Maturity Level 3 across all Essential Eight measures
Proven delivery using Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Aligned to Zero Trust and Essential Eight best practices
End-to-end service from review to implementation and ongoing optimisation
Strategic focus on protecting your brand, reducing risk, and keeping your business running
Don’t Let a Single Macro Put Your Business at Risk
Get expert-led macro restriction solutions aligned to your compliance, risk, and security strategy.
TALK TO OUR EXPERTS
Partner Ecosystem
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“Rhino Rack has gained a trusted advisor in Exigo Tech to advise and assist with all of our business requirements. We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with Exigo Tech.”
“Cenversa has been working with Exigo Tech to move the file server and intranet to the cloud. They came up with a secure and scalable customer and supplier centric architecture in a structured format.”
“Exigo Tech is highly recommended from the Polyseal Group for all your IT requirements. They listened to our requirements carefully and delivered solutions to increase our productivity and end user experience.”
“We liked Exigo Tech’s clear understanding of what needs to be achieved and knowing ways to improve the user experience in building custom applications for us.”
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