malware

(noun)

Software which has been designed to operate in a malicious, undesirable manner.

Related Terms

  • adware
  • spyware

Examples of malware in the following topics:

  • Malware

    • Malware is a general term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software.
    • Malware includes computer viruses, worms, spyware, adware, and trojan horses .
    • Malware has caused the rise in use of protective software types such as anti-virus, anti-malware, and firewalls.
    • Another strictly for-profit category of malware has emerged, called spyware.
    • The prevalence of malware as a vehicle for Internet crime, along with the challenge of anti-malware software to keep up with the continuous stream of new malware, has seen the adoption of a new mindset for individuals and businesses using the Internet.
  • Consumer Privacy Issues

    • Some sites attach malware to the computers of unsuspecting users.
    • Malware is an external application that alters system settings (like a browser's home page), spawns pop-ups, and inserts advertisements into non-affiliated web pages.
    • Typically, malware is difficult to remove or uninstall, making it even more difficult for less computer-savvy users to protect themselves from these programs.
    • Malware also makes users vulnerable to the theft of sensitive information including social security numbers and credit card data.
    • Some malware programs are designed to gather sensitive information from users without their knowledge.
  • Avoiding Potential Fraud

    • Emails containing links to websites infected with malware, also known as email spoofing
  • Forced Entry

    • Crimes that primarily target computer networks or devices include computer viruses, denial-of-service attacks, and malware.
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