Microsoft Will Start Blocking Malicious Links In Office 365 Programs Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Microsoft will launch a security feature used on Outlook emails for Office 365 ProPlus desktop users later this month, which will protect them from malicious links, the company announced Tuesday.

Microsoft is extending its Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) Safe Links to Office 365 programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. ATP Safe Links protect end users against clicking on malicious links in emails across Outlook desktop, web and mobile versions.

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The feature will now be implemented in everyday programs, such as Microsoft Word.

“As cyber criminals broaden the scope of attacks beyond email workloads, it’s necessary to extend security capabilities beyond email,” Microsoft said in a blog post.

When users click on a link in an Office 365 program, such as PowerPoint, ATP will check the link first to see it it’s dangerous. If the link is malicious, the user will see a warning page instead of the original target URL, keeping users safe.

“This new capability will further integrate and expand security across Office 365,” Microsoft added. “Our intent has always been to provide our customers with an end-to-end, unified and secure experience across all of Office 365, and this extended capability of Safe Links is an example of our continued step toward this goal.”

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Microsoft also announced the launch of Office 365 Threat Intelligence, which boosts protection through real-time threat alert notifications and other methods. The company also announced Office 365 Advanced Data Governance, which helps clients find and retain important information while eliminating redundant, obsolete data that could put clients at risk if compromised.

Both services are generally available now.