When creating a Microsoft Access database, authors will be able to use a code signing certificate to digitally sign the database. The signature will cover VBA code and other elements of the database such as Access macros and action queries. This will enable databases to execute VBA code and other active elements when the Trust Center Macro Settings are set to only enable digitally signed VBA macros to run.
When this will happen
- Preview: This feature is available in Beta and Current Channel (Preview) now, for Office version 2211 and subsequent versions.
- Standard Release: This feature will be available in Current Channel starting with Office Version 2211 in late November and will be available in Semi-Annual channel in July 2023.
How this will affect your organization
This feature will have no impact on users or tenants, unless your organization chooses to use it. However, if you organization has set Trust Center Macro Settings to enable only digitally signed VBA macros, by using this feature, users will be able to run active content in databases without putting the database into a Trusted Location, if it is signed (either by the author, or by your organization), with a digital signature from a publisher that is trusted by your organization.
What you need to do to prepare
If your organization does not yet enable the setting to run only digitally signed VBA macros, you can prepare to do so by ensuring that for any databases that you wish to run with active content are signed with a certificate from a trusted publisher.
Message ID: MC482182
Published: 2022-12-09
Updated: 2022-12-09
Alex Lim
Alex Lim is a certified IT Technical Support Architect with over 15 years of experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex IT systems and networks. He has worked for leading IT companies, such as Microsoft, IBM, and Cisco, providing technical support and solutions to clients across various industries and sectors. Alex has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the National University of Singapore and a master’s degree in information security from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also the author of several best-selling books on IT technical support, such as The IT Technical Support Handbook and Troubleshooting IT Systems and Networks. Alex lives in Bandar, Johore, Malaysia with his wife and two chilrdren. You can reach him at [email protected] or follow him on Website | Twitter | Facebook
