What is malware known for in the realm of cybersecurity?

Malware is defined as malicious software specifically created to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. This includes a wide range of harmful software types, such as viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware, all of which share the common goal of compromising the security and functionality of computers and networks. By design, malware is intended to achieve malicious objectives, such as stealing sensitive information, enforcing ransom demands, or creating havoc in the target systems.

In contrast to the other options, which relate to legitimate software functionalities — like enhancing system performance, creating backups, and monitoring network traffic — malware is fundamentally rooted in malicious intent, directly impacting cybersecurity by posing risks to data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Thus, recognizing malware's characteristics is crucial for effective cybersecurity and risk management strategies.