Steps To Ensure Macro Security

DocumentID: 628538
Revision Date: 29-Feb-96 1:42:30 PM

The information in this document applies to:
WordPerfect® 6.0 for DOS

Problem

Symptoms: What can be done to enforce macro security in WPWin 6.0/WP DOS 6.0? Solutions: All of the following information applies. 1. Macro files are the same as any other files. Macro files can be given the DOS attributes of Hidden, Read-Only, or even System. These attributes do not prevent another experienced DOS user from finding the macros. Macro files can be flagged Sharable Read-Only if the files are on a network, but this does not prevent them from being copied into a directory where a user has rights (or to a local directory). This security limitation is a restriction of DOS; DOS is by no means a secure operating system. (Try a UNIX system if you need security.) 2. It is possible to hide the source code of a WPWin 6.0/WP DOS 6.0 macro. A macro compiles if the program determines that the date and time stamp on the file are not the same as the date and time last compiled. As a result, macros are re-compiled when any changes are made. It is possible to edit a pre-compiled macro and remove all of the source code and then save it. Prior to the macro being used again, the date and time on the macro file will have to be reset back to the same date and time as the last compile stamp. This resetting will prevent re-compilation (which would fail since the source code is removed). A macro thus changed is destroyed if it is modified in any way and saved back to disk under the same name. How/Why: Steps to modify macro: 1. Record Date and Time on a macro that has been played at least once (compiled). Because you must know the seconds value of the time, the date and time must be recorded with a third-party utility. (Note: The DOS DIR command does not give the seconds value.) 2. Retrieve the macro into WPWin and remove the source code. (You can insert a comment that explains a little about the macro; however, a comment is not necessary.) Save the macro under the same name. 3. Using a third-party file editing utility (NOT Provided with WPWin 6.0/WP 6.0 DOS), change the date and time of the file back to the date and time recorded earlier. The macro will run normally, but no source code will be present. 4. Make sure all users are aware that any modification of the macro that is saved to disk will un-recoverably destroy the macro.

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