Malware: meaning, definitions and examples
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malware
[ ˈmæl.wɛər ]
computer security
Malware, short for malicious software, is any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. It includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs.
Synonyms
computer virus, cyber threat, malicious software, malware program.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
malware |
Use this term when referring to any kind of harmful software, which includes different types such as viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It is a general, umbrella term.
|
malicious software |
This term, similar to malware, is used for any harmful software but often emphasizes the intentional harm aspect of the software. It is slightly more formal.
|
computer virus |
Utilize this term specifically when discussing a type of malware that attaches itself to a program or file and spreads to other devices. It mimics biological viruses in its method of spreading.
|
cyber threat |
Refer to this term when talking about the potential of a cyber attack, which may not have happened yet. It encompasses a range of potential harm including malware, hacking, and other cybersecurity risks.
|
malware program |
Use this term when you want to be specific about a program rather than files or scripts that are malicious. It often highlights the software aspect more clearly.
|
Examples of usage
- Make sure you have a good antivirus program to protect your computer from malware.
- The company's network was infected with malware after an employee clicked on a suspicious link.
- Malware can steal sensitive information from your device without your knowledge.
- Regularly update your software to prevent malware attacks.
- Be cautious when downloading files from unknown sources to avoid malware infections.
Translations
Translations of the word "malware" in other languages:
🇵🇹 malware
🇮🇳 मैलवेयर
🇩🇪 Schadsoftware
🇮🇩 malware
🇺🇦 шкідливе програмне забезпечення
🇵🇱 złośliwe oprogramowanie
🇯🇵 マルウェア
🇫🇷 logiciel malveillant
🇪🇸 software malicioso
🇹🇷 kötü amaçlı yazılım
🇰🇷 악성 소프트웨어
🇸🇦 برمجيات خبيثة
🇨🇿 škodlivý software
🇸🇰 škodlivý softvér
🇨🇳 恶意软件
🇸🇮 zlonamerna programska oprema
🇮🇸 skaðleg hugbúnaður
🇰🇿 зиянды бағдарлама
🇬🇪 მავნე პროგრამა
🇦🇿 zərərli proqram təminatı
🇲🇽 software malicioso
Etymology
The term 'malware' originated in the early 1990s as a combination of 'malicious' and 'software'. It was used to describe any type of software designed to harm or exploit computer systems. With the rise of internet usage, malware has become a significant threat to cybersecurity, leading to the development of various antivirus and anti-malware programs to protect against these malicious attacks.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #28,957, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
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- 28955 pillared
- 28956 phenomenally
- 28957 malware
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- 28959 wispy
- 28960 bogey
- ...