Malware
In plain terms
Any software designed to cause harm or unauthorized access.
Going deeper
Malware is a broad term for malicious programs, viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, that damage, steal, or take control. It's the umbrella for hostile software.
Under the hood
Spreads via downloads, attachments, and exploits; defended by antivirus, sandboxing, and patching.
Examples
Viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, ransomware, keyloggers.
Think of it like...
Like a disease deliberately engineered to harm or hijack a host.