IronSights

Threats & attacks

Malware

Software intentionally designed to cause harm to a computer system, network, or data — including viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware.

Also known asmalicious softwaremalicious code

In plain English

Malware is any software that does something you didn't agree to and wouldn't want. This covers everything from ransomware that encrypts your files, to trojans that silently give attackers remote access, to spyware that records your keystrokes and sends them to a criminal server.

Keep learning

More terms in the IronSights Glossary.