malware

Meaning

1. 1noununcountable

   Software created to damage systems, steal data, spy, or gain unauthorized access to computers.

   Grammar: Uncountable umbrella term: say malware was found, not a malware was found.

   Patterns

   • install malware
   • detect malware
   • remove malware
   • protect against malware

   The email attachment tried to install malware on the laptop.

   Free tools can detect malware but may not remove it completely.

   She updated the browser to protect against malware.

Common combinations

malware attack

The hospital reported a malware attack that froze records.

malware infection

A malware infection can slow every program on a device.

remove malware

The technician removed malware from the office server.

anti-malware software

Good anti-malware software blocks suspicious downloads.

Synonyms and how they differ

virus

A virus is one kind of malware, often self-copying; malware is the wider category.

spyware

Spyware secretly collects information; it is a specific type of malware.

ransomware

Ransomware locks files and demands payment, so it is narrower than malware.

Word family

malicious adjective

Intending harm; malware is malicious software.

software noun

Programs used by a computer; malware is harmful software.

Commonly confused: malware or hardware? malware or software?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “malware”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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