What is malware?

Malware refers to malicious software specifically designed to infiltrate, damage, or disrupt computer systems, networks, or devices. It encompasses various forms such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware, all aimed at achieving harmful objectives such as stealing information, disrupting operations, or controlling systems without the user's consent.

Understanding malware is crucial for organizations and individuals alike, as it can lead to significant data breaches and security incidents. Recognizing the nature of malware helps in implementing appropriate security measures and cultivating awareness around safe computing practices.

In this context, the other choices do not align with the definition of malware. For instance, software designed to protect systems refers to protective tools like antivirus software or firewalls, which operate with the opposite intention of malware. Encryption is a technique used to secure data by making it unreadable without a key, and security protocols authenticate users and manage access rights, both of which do not have malicious intent at their core.