What is considered "Malware"?

Malware refers to any software that is specifically designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise a computer system or network. This includes a wide variety of malicious software types, such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. The defining characteristic of malware is its intention to cause damage or unauthorized access, rather than to perform beneficial or protective functions.

In contrast, options describing software that enhances system performance, protects against viruses, or improves the user experience highlight beneficial software aims, which do not align with the concept of malware. Such software is designed to optimize, secure, or enhance the usage of the system, directly opposing the malicious intent associated with malware.