Malware is a type of malicious software that is designed to damage, disrupt, or gain access to a computer system without the user’s knowledge or consent. It can be used to steal information, disrupt services, and even cause physical damage. Malware can be spread through email, websites, downloads, and even shared storage devices. Malware can also be installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge or consent, often through the use of malicious code.

Malware is usually spread through phishing emails, malicious links, and infected websites. It can also be spread through downloading malicious programs, such as those that claim to be helpful but are actually designed to install malware on the computer. Malware can also be spread through drive-by downloads, which are links to malicious websites that can be clicked without the user’s knowledge or consent.

Malware can cause a wide range of damage, from slowing down the computer to stealing passwords and financial information. It can also be used to launch attacks on other computers, networks, or even entire companies or countries. In addition, malware can be used to send spam emails or even to disable a computer completely. Malware can also be used to install ransomware, software that holds a computer hostage until a payment is made.