What is malware?

Malware is malicious software designed to intentionally compromise the security of computer systems. It includes a variety of harmful programs such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more. Malware can disrupt operations, steal sensitive information, and cause significant damage to systems.

References:

ISO/IEC 27032:2012- Provides guidelines for improving the state of cybersecurity, including definitions and controls for dealing with malware.

NIST SP 800-83- Guide to Malware Incident Prevention and Handling, which describes the nature of malware and its impact on computer systems.