What type of software is designed to exploit or harm systems?

Malicious software, commonly referred to as malware, encompasses a range of software specifically created to cause damage, exploit vulnerabilities, or hinder the functionality of systems. This category includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, among others. Each type of malware operates with the intent to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to systems and data. The context in which malware operates generally involves exploiting weaknesses in software and sometimes tricking users into executing harmful actions.

Utility software and system optimization software serve beneficial purposes by enhancing the performance of systems and managing resources. In contrast, antivirus software is designed to identify, prevent, and remove malware from systems, thus acting as a defensive mechanism against the threats posed by malicious software. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the harmful nature of malware, which is fundamentally different from the functions of the other types of software presented.