malware
Malware is a broad term for any software specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network. It encompasses various threats such as viruses, worms, spyware, and ransomware that compromise digital security.
Examples
3 of 5My computer is running slowly; I think I might have downloaded some malware by mistake.
I suspect I accidentally installed harmful software because my computer's performance has decreased.
The organization has implemented robust security measures to prevent malware infiltration into its private servers.
The company used strong protection to stop malicious programs from entering their internal computer systems.
Don't click that link! It looks like total malware and could ruin your phone.
Avoid that web link because it appears to be a dangerous program that might break your mobile device.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember: Malicious + Software = Malware. The prefix 'mal-' always means 'bad' or 'evil' (like 'malfunction' or 'malice').
Quick Quiz
The security software was unable to identify the new ______ because it hadn't been added to the database yet.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
My computer is running slowly; I think I might have downloaded some malware by mistake.
everydayI suspect I accidentally installed harmful software because my computer's performance has decreased.
The organization has implemented robust security measures to prevent malware infiltration into its private servers.
formalThe company used strong protection to stop malicious programs from entering their internal computer systems.
Don't click that link! It looks like total malware and could ruin your phone.
informalAvoid that web link because it appears to be a dangerous program that might break your mobile device.
The study examines the evolution of malware and its impact on global cybersecurity frameworks.
academicThe research analyzes how harmful software has changed over time and affected international internet security rules.
Our IT department detected a malware threat in the latest batch of external emails.
businessThe technical team found a danger from malicious software in the recently received messages from outside the company.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
malware protection
security measures taken to defend against harmful software
malware signature
a unique identifier used by security tools to recognize a specific piece of malware
zero-day malware
a newly discovered harmful program for which no patch or defense yet exists
Often Confused With
A virus is a specific type of malware that self-replicates; malware is the umbrella term for all harmful software.
Adware specifically generates advertisements; while it can be malware, not all adware is intended to be harmful.
Usage Notes
Malware is an uncountable noun and should not be used in the plural form (e.g., avoid saying 'many malwares'). It is frequently used as an attributive noun to modify other words like 'attack' or 'analysis'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often treat it as a countable noun; use 'types of malware' or 'malware samples' instead of 'malwares'.
Memory Tip
Remember: Malicious + Software = Malware. The prefix 'mal-' always means 'bad' or 'evil' (like 'malfunction' or 'malice').
Word Origin
A portmanteau of the words 'malicious' and 'software', first used in a technical context in 1990.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the digital age, malware is a significant global concern for governments and individuals, often linked to discussions about national security and privacy.
Quick Quiz
The security software was unable to identify the new ______ because it hadn't been added to the database yet.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Vocabulary
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and co...
encryptionEncryption is the process of converting digital information...
cybersecurityCybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems,...
virusA submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only insid...
phishingPhishing describes fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive i...
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