What is malware?

Malware refers to malicious software that is intentionally created to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise devices and networks. This includes various types of harmful software such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, all of which are designed to damage systems, steal sensitive information, or disrupt operations.

Understanding the nature of malware is crucial in the context of cybersecurity, as it directly impacts the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data within a computing environment. Effective prevention and protection strategies are often employed against malware to safeguard against its harmful effects.

The other options refer to software roles that are beneficial or foundational for computer operations. Some involve enhancing system performance, supporting updates, or managing files in a way that does not involve malicious intent. This distinction is essential, as it highlights the fundamentally harmful nature of malware, contrasting it with beneficial software functions.