malware

noun

mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer How to pronounce malware (audio)
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning

Examples of malware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While sophisticated malware attacks grab the headlines—this is a much more realistic threat to you and your finances. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Hostile activity in cyberspace -- from spying to the planting of malware to infect and disrupt a country's infrastructure -- has become a hallmark of modern geopolitical rivalry. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Feb. 2024 Or the link could infect your device with harmful malware to steal your information. Michael Steinbach, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2024 While actively using those, Microsoft Defender will work in the background to protect all devices against malware and other threats through constant monitoring. Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 5 Feb. 2024 When that happens, the IRS said, cybercriminals could collect the preparer's email address, password and possibly other information — or load malware onto the tax pro's computer to gain access to the system. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 2 Feb. 2024 Malware, notifications and extentions Another common impact on browser performance can come from hidden malware that has infiltrated your browser. Ken Colburn, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Such advanced malware can be used to steal access tokens that have already gone through a phishing-resistant strong authentication check. Atul Tulshibagwale, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Hackers using the malware have claimed a slew of attacks on US universities, health care providers and hotels in the last 18 months. Sean Lyngaas, CNN, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malware.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

malicious + -ware (as in software)

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malware was in 1990

Dictionary Entries Near malware

Cite this Entry

“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

malware

noun
mal·​ware ˈmal-ˌwer How to pronounce malware (audio)
: software that is designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning and that can be used to commit cybercrime (as by revealing passwords, PINs, and other sensitive data)
Etymology

mal- bad + software

More from Merriam-Webster on malware

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