Define "malware".

Malware, short for malicious software, is specifically designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise negatively affect computers, networks, or users. It encompasses a wide range of software types that are intended to compromise the security and functionality of systems. This includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, among others. The primary goal of malware is to manipulate the operation of devices or steal information, which can lead to data breaches and significant financial loss.

Understanding the nature of malware is crucial in the field of cyber security, as it helps professionals implement preventive measures, identify threats more effectively, and respond to incidents involving malicious attacks. Other choices describe different concepts; for instance, software for defending against cyber attacks refers to security tools rather than malicious intent, while applications for data encryption and social media tracking serve entirely different purposes unrelated to malicious activities.