Malware

Malware (= malicious software) is a program or a piece of software whose purpose is to cause unanticipated or undesired effects, mostly causing harm or damage to computer systems, data, or people.

Several kinds of malware exist, each of which has its own harm-inflicting goals, including:

• Obtaining sensitive information (e.g., spyware)
• Deleting or modifying files (e.g., virus, worm, etc.)
• Harming availability of resources (e.g., rabbits)
• Spreading ads and spam (e.g., spamware)
• Financial exploitation (e.g., ransomware)
• Other malicious purposes (e.g., cyberbullying, harassment, political activism)

Common ways in which malware is downloaded to a device are via clicking links in suspicious email or text messages, downloading software from untrusted resources, or just visiting malicious webpages without clicking any links on them.