Malware, short for software, refers to any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a , server, client, or computer network. Unlike software that causes unintentional harm due to some , malware is developed with the explicit intent to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed .
Types of malware include , worms, horses, spyware, ransomware, adware, and rootkits. Each type of malware has its own method of operation and can cause varying degrees of to computer systems and networks. Understanding these types is crucial for effective and prevention strategies.
To combat malware, users and organizations must implement a combination of preventive measures, such as using software and regularly updating their systems. Education about the different types of malware and their associated risks is also an important step in maintaining against these threats.