Malware
Short for malicious software, malware is software designed to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
It is a general term used to describe any kind of software or code specifically designed to exploit a computer, or the data it contains, without consent. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, dishonest adware, most rootkits, and other malicious programs.