“Malicious software,” commonly referred to as malware, includes various harmful programs designed to damage or exploit computer systems and networks. Common types of malware are viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware. Malware can infiltrate systems through phishing emails, infected downloads, or vulnerabilities in software. Once implanted, it can steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or control devices remotely. The increasing sophistication of malware poses a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape, requiring constant vigilance and updated defenses like antivirus software and firewalls to protect systems from such attacks.