Malware

Malware, short for “malicious software,” refers to any software intentionally designed to cause harm to a computer, server, client, or computer network. It encompasses a variety of harmful software types, including viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more. Malware is used by attackers to infiltrate systems, harvest sensitive data, disrupt services, or gain unauthorized access to networks. The primary goal of malware is to exploit vulnerabilities in software or hardware, to execute malicious actions that can lead to data theft, financial loss, or damage to computer systems. Protecting against malware is a critical aspect of cybersecurity, and it involves using antivirus programs, firewalls, and adopting safe practices while browsing the internet or opening email attachments.