What is malware primarily designed to do?

Malware is primarily designed to harm, exploit, or compromise devices, networks, or data. This malicious software encompasses various types of programs, such as viruses, worms, spyware, and ransomware, all of which share the common goal of causing damage or unauthorized access to information systems.

The intent behind malware is often malicious, aimed at stealing sensitive information, disrupting services, or exploiting vulnerabilities within systems. For example, ransomware encrypts a user's data and demands payment for the decryption key, effectively compromising their access to critical information. Similarly, spyware can gather sensitive data without the user's knowledge and transmit it to external actors.

In contrast, options that mention protection, encryption for security, or facilitating secure communication misrepresent the purpose of malware. These alternatives focus on security mechanisms and practices that aim to safeguard data and privacy, rather than the malicious intent inherent in malware. Therefore, recognizing that malware is a tool used for exploitative actions is crucial in understanding its implications in communication and network security.