noun

malware

/ˈmælwɛr/ · say it: MAL·wair

software designed to damage or gain unauthorized access

In Technology & Computing

In more detail

1. (noun) software that is designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system or steal data

2. (noun) any harmful or malicious computer program, including viruses, worms, spyware, and ransomware

Examples

1. The company's network was infected with malware that stole customer information.
2. Make sure to install antivirus software to protect your computer from malware.

How to use malware

Malware is a broad, technical umbrella term in computing and cybersecurity contexts that encompasses various types of harmful software. It is used both in specialized technical discussions and in general consumer advice about computer security. Unlike specific terms like virus or worm, malware is neutral and non-technical enough for general audiences but precise enough for professionals.

Common phrases

malware infection
malware attack
malware detection
remove malware
malware protection
malware scanner

Synonyms

malicious software · virus · worm · spyware · ransomware

Word family

malware (noun) · malicious (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes treat malware as a countable noun (e.g., 'a malware' or 'two malwares'), but it is typically used as an uncountable noun ('malware' or 'pieces of malware').

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