Malware is short for 'malicious software', and it refers to any type of software or code that is designed to harm, disrupt, or steal information from a computer, device, or network.

Malware can take many different forms, such as viruses, worms, trojans, or spyware. It can be spread through various means, such as email attachments, infected websites, or downloaded software.

Once malware infects a device or network, it can cause a range of problems, such as deleting files, stealing personal information, or even taking control of your computer or network. You can use antivirus software to help reduce the risk of a malware infection, but you should still be cautious when opening emails or downloading software from untrusted sources.