system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why does MS Word open files in "Protected Mode"? Like is there really any threat for a "Protected Mode" to be needed?
gpt
Word documents can contain embedded programs. These programs can do things like respond to clicks, or do things like have drop down lists for forms.

It is a common ploy for hackers to embed viruses and malware into word files.

Protected mode deactivates embedded programs, so prevents any malware activating, until you deactivate the protection.