Define 'malware.'

Malware refers to any malicious software created specifically to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or devices. This encompasses a variety of harmful software types, including viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware, all designed with the intent to exploit vulnerabilities or wreak havoc on the user's system or data.

The correct answer highlights the fundamental nature of malware as software that is inherently designed to cause harm, unlike the other choices, which describe software that either serves benign functions, such as improving performance or aiding in debugging, or is crafted specifically for educational use without malicious intent. Understanding the definition and purpose of malware is crucial for security analysts, as it helps them identify, prevent, and mitigate potential threats to information systems.