What is the primary purpose of malware?

The primary purpose of malware is to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to systems. Malware is specifically designed to compromise the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of information systems and data. This malicious software can take various forms, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, each serving the intent of harming systems or stealing sensitive information.

Unlike software that enhances performance, improves network speeds, or creates user-friendly interfaces, malware is fundamentally about causing harm and exploiting vulnerabilities. Its creation is driven by intentions that range from financial gain, espionage, vandalism, to other malicious activities, marking it as a significant threat in the realm of cybersecurity. Understanding this purpose is crucial for developing effective strategies for prevention, detection, and response to these threats in secure software design.