: software designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning
Examples of malware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Apple’s closed ecosystem and strict App Store policies limit the risk of malware, and its centralized software updates ensure better security.
—
Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
Clicking links could expose your personal data or allow scammers to install malware.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
That undeniable truth has been evident for some time, but most recently, reports of one billion passwords stolen by malware and lists of the same circulating for sale have brought the realization that something needs to change front and center of the security debate once more.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
In addition, my malware collection consists strictly of attacks aimed at Windows.
—PCMAG, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for malware 
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Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
Clicking links could expose your personal data or allow scammers to install malware.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
That undeniable truth has been evident for some time, but most recently, reports of one billion passwords stolen by malware and lists of the same circulating for sale have brought the realization that something needs to change front and center of the security debate once more.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
In addition, my malware collection consists strictly of attacks aimed at Windows.
—PCMAG, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for malware
Dictionary Entries Near malware
Cite this Entry
“Malware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malware. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
malware
noun
mal·ware
ˈmal-ˌwer 
: software that is designed to interfere with a computer's normal functioning and that can be used to commit cybercrime (as by revealing passwords, PINs, and other sensitive data)
Etymology
mal- bad + software
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