: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
According to the report, the government is worried about Kaspersky providing a conduit for data theft, the installation of malware, and the general weakening of security by withholding updates.
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Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 June 2024
Sources told Reuters that Kaspersky’s close ties to the Russian government pose a national security risk, potentially letting the company — and the Russian government — steal sensitive information from, install malware on, or withhold updates from Americans’ computers.
—Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 20 June 2024
But security experts have sounded the alarm on Recall's safety, arguing that malware could target Recall to steal sensitive user data like banking information.
—Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 14 June 2024
An Ascension employee unwittingly downloaded malware that led to the health-care organization's paralyzing cyberattack.
—Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for malware 
Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 June 2024
Sources told Reuters that Kaspersky’s close ties to the Russian government pose a national security risk, potentially letting the company — and the Russian government — steal sensitive information from, install malware on, or withhold updates from Americans’ computers.
—Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 20 June 2024
But security experts have sounded the alarm on Recall's safety, arguing that malware could target Recall to steal sensitive user data like banking information.
—Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 14 June 2024
An Ascension employee unwittingly downloaded malware that led to the health-care organization's paralyzing cyberattack.
—Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for malware
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
malware
noun
mal·ware
ˈmal-ˌwer 
: 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
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