What does the term "malware" refer to?

The term "malware" refers to all software designed to harm or compromise computer systems. This encompasses a broad range of malicious software types, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more. The key aspect of malware is its intention to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to systems, or steal sensitive information. It is a catch-all term that highlights the harmful objectives behind the software rather than limiting it to specific types or behaviors. This understanding is critical for cybersecurity professionals who must identify, protect against, and remediate the impacts of various malware threats in network environments.