CompTIA ITF+ Practice Test 2025 - Free CompTIA ITF+ Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term 'malware' specifically refers to malicious software that is designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise the functionality of a computer, device, or network. This definition encompasses a range of harmful software types, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, among others. The primary characteristic that ties these various types of malware together is their intention to cause harm or unauthorized access, making option B the most accurate description of malware.

Understanding malware is essential in the field of IT, especially concerning cybersecurity. It highlights the importance of implementing protective measures and practices to safeguard systems and data from such harmful software. In contrast, the other choices provide definitions for software that serves beneficial purposes, rather than malicious intents. For instance, applications designed for data recovery and system utilities for performance improvement do not fall under the category of malware; they are actually designed to enhance or protect the user’s experience. Network optimization software focuses on enhancing connectivity and performance, which also does not align with the malicious purpose of malware.