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Malware: meaning, definitions and examples

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malware

 

[ ˈmæl.wɛər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

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.