Final answer:
Malware is software that enters a computer system without the user's knowledge or consent and performs harmful actions. It includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware. To protect against malware, install antivirus software, avoid suspicious links, and keep your system updated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Software that enters a computer system without the user's knowledge or consent and then performs an unwanted (and usually harmful) action is referred to as malware. Malware encompasses various types of software such as viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware. It can be used by hackers to gain unauthorized access to a computer system and steal sensitive information, disrupt operations, or cause damage.
For example, a keylogger is a type of malware that secretly records keystrokes on a computer. This information can then be used by hackers to gather usernames, passwords, and other confidential data. Another example is ransomware, which encrypts the files on a computer and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.
To protect against malware, it is important to have up-to-date antivirus software installed on your computer, avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from unknown sources, and regularly update your operating system and applications.