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: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The other permissions that should never be granted to any app unless absolutely necessary is Accessibility Services, which are system tools that can be abused by malware to take control of devices and their key system functions.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Guan and his team then decided to write malware that exploited this security flaw to infect roughly 81,000 firewall devices around the world in a three-day period.
—Sam Sabin, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024
Many scams include links to malicious websites or attachments that have hidden malware embedded in them.
—Ken Colburn, The Arizona Republic, 8 Dec. 2024
However, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, often using fake update notifications to trick you into downloading malware or providing personal information.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
malicious + -ware (as in software)
First Known Use
1990, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near malware
Cite this Entry
“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
malware
nounˈmal-ˌwer
: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Legal 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
More from Merriam-Webster on malware
Nglish: Translation of malware for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of malware for Arabic Speakers
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