Everyone knows it, when you open an (external) document via mail, the secure view prevents you from editing the document, presentation or sheet and opens in read only mode. This view is designed to reduce the risk of potentially harmful files. 

Hackers often try to circumvent security measures such as the "Secure View" in programs such as Microsoft Excel by employing various techniques. Although the Protected View is intended to reduce the risk of opening potentially harmful files, there are ways in which malicious actors attempt to circumvent it:

• Social engineering: Hackers may try to trick users through social engineering. For example, they may send a file that looks legitimate and ask users to disable the secure view to take advantage of the file's full functionality. This can be done through persuasive emails or messages asking users to perform actions that bypass security;
• Zero-day exploits: Sometimes hackers discover weaknesses in software security mechanisms that are not yet known to developers or the general public. They can then use zero-day exploits to bypass the secure display and execute malicious code before a patch is available to fix the vulnerability;
• Malware techniques: Certain forms of malware may be specifically designed to circumvent security measures. This can be done, for example, by activating files that initially appear harmless, but later download or execute malicious code after the secure view is disabled;
• Scripting and macros: Hackers can embed malicious scripts or macros into files, which then attempt to bypass the protected view by tricking users into enabling them. Once active, these scripts or macros can perform malicious actions on the system. 

To minimize these security risks, it is important to always be careful when opening files, especially from unknown sources. Users should not disable the secure view unless they are absolutely certain that the file is secure.

What can I do myself?

• Do not disable Protected View: Always keep Secure View enabled for files about which you have doubts, especially if they come from unknown or untrustworthy sources;
• Do not enable content or macros: Files often ask users to enable content or macros to perform certain actions. Do not enable these unless you trust the source;
• Scan the file: Use reputable antivirus software to scan the file. This can help identify and reduce potential threats;
• Report the problem: If you think the file is malicious, report it to your IT department, IT service provider or the relevant authorities. You can also report it to Microsoft if it is related to their software;
• Update your antivirus and software: Make sure your antivirus software and Office programs are up-to-date. Software updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities;
• Be careful: Always be careful when downloading files from the Internet, especially if they ask you to disable security features such as Secure Display.

Remember that the main purpose of Secure View is to improve security by isolating potentially harmful content. If a file tries to convince you to disable this protection, it may be a sign of a security risk. Beware! So don't trust just anyone, because internal senders can also spread viruses, mallware and/or payloads.

What are payloads?

A "payload" refers to the specific action or code performed by malicious software (such as malware or viruses) after it is installed or activated on a target computer. It represents the malicious target or action that the malware performs after it is activated. A payload can take different forms, depending on the type of malware and the attacker's goal. Some examples of payloads are:

• Data corruption: This can include deleting files, encrypting data (as in ransomware) or disrupting normal system functionality;
• Installing backdoors: Malware can create backdoors that allow an attacker to gain access to the system for other attacks and/or further propagation;
• Espionage and data theft: Some malware is designed to steal confidential information, such as login credentials, personal data or trade secrets;
• Botnet activity: Malware can transform computers into a botnet, allowing them to be used for coordinated attacks or spam campaigns.

It is important to understand the term "payload" in the context of cybersecurity and malware because it represents the malicious action that threatens computer systems and data. Systems are often protected by antivirus programs and security measures designed to detect and block such malicious payloads.

What does Valid do to protect you?

Within Valid, we use several techniques, processes and software as standard to secure your systems, including Defender for Endpoint. This is part of the Microsoft Defender Security Suite and provides several layers of security to protect systems from malicious payloads and attacks. Some of the ways Defender for Endpoint protects against payloads:

• Advanced threat detection: The software uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to detect suspicious activity. It analyzes behaviors and characteristics of files and processes to identify potential threats;
• Real-time protection: Defender for Endpoint provides real-time protection against various types of malware, including those with malicious payloads. It continuously scans files and activities to block threats instantly;
• Cloud-based security: Microsoft uses the cloud to identify and block threats before they even reach the local system. This is done through their cloud infrastructure and uses up-to-date information about new threats;
• Sandboxes and isolation: Suspicious files can be run in a secure isolated environment to prevent any payloads from causing damage to the main system. This is often done in a "sandbox" environment where files can be safely analyzed;
• Network monitoring and security: Defender for Endpoint monitors network traffic and detects suspicious communications that indicate attacks or attempts to deliver malicious payloads. This can prevent the payloads from being downloaded or activated in the first place;
• Automatic updates and patches: The software is regularly updated with the latest definitions and patches to address vulnerabilities and new threats, reducing the likelihood that payloads are successful.

By combining these different methods, Defender for Endpoint provides a layered and versatile defense against different types of attacks, including those that contain malicious payloads. The goal is to provide effective protection and minimize the impact of cyber attacks.