Which term refers to security threats such as viruses and spyware?

The term "malware" specifically refers to a category of security threats that includes various harmful software such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, and adware. This term captures all forms of malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. By classifying computer viruses and spyware as malware, it underscores the common characteristics they share: they are designed to enable unauthorized access to or control over computer systems, often leading to data theft or system harm.

In contrast, the term "cyber threats" is broader and encompasses all potential dangers in the realm of cyberspace, including malware, but it also covers other vulnerabilities that do not necessarily involve malicious software. For example, cyber threats can include things like human errors, system vulnerabilities, and threats posed by disgruntled employees, which do not fall strictly under the malware category.

"Hackers" refers to individuals who exploit vulnerabilities in systems, which may involve using malware, but the term does not specifically denote software itself. Additionally, "phishing" is a method used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into providing personal information or credentials, often via deceptive emails or messages, rather than a type of malicious software.

Therefore, "malware" precisely describes the specific types of security threats