Which of the following best describes malware?

Malware is best described as software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. This definition captures the malicious intent of malware, which can take various forms, such as viruses, worms, spyware, and ransomware. The primary purpose of malware is to exploit vulnerabilities in systems, steal sensitive information, corrupt data, or otherwise harm individuals and organizations.

Understanding this definition is crucial for recognizing the potential risks associated with malware and the importance of protecting systems with antivirus software and safe browsing practices. The other answer choices do not align with the characteristics of malware, as they reflect scenarios related to data backup, security protection, or performance enhancement, which are generally associated with legitimate software and not malicious programs.