A word processor is software used to create, edit, and format document text. Common examples handle files such as reports, letters, and templates, and often support images, comments, macros, and embedded objects. In cyber security, that extra functionality matters because a document is not always just text: it can carry active content, links, or deceptive prompts that influence how the file behaves when opened.
Attackers often use word processor documents as phishing lures, sending attachments that try to trick a user into enabling macros or opening malicious embedded content. A single document can deliver malware, steal credentials, or redirect the user to a fake login page. Defenders reduce this risk by blocking risky macros, scanning attachments, opening untrusted files in sandboxes, and training users to treat unexpected documents with suspicion.