Final answer:
Malware is software that is designed to infiltrate or affect a computer system without the owner's informed consent. It can cause damage to data, steal sensitive information, disrupt system operations, or even take control of the infected computer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Malware is software that is designed to infiltrate or affect a computer system without the owner's informed consent. It comes in various forms such as viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware. Malware can cause damage to data, steal sensitive information, disrupt system operations, or even take control of the infected computer. It is important for users to be vigilant and take precautions to protect their systems from malware.