malware
gb/mˈælwˌɛɹ/ us/mˈælwˌɛɹ/
B2
English
rosszindulatú szoftver, kártevő
NOUN
B2
TECHNICAL
1
Usage pattern:
[malware] on [a device]; protect [a device] from [malware]; [malware] infects [a system]
The email attachment contained malware that stole users’ passwords.
Az e-mail melléklete olyan rosszindulatú szoftvert tartalmazott, amely ellopta a felhasználók jelszavait.
Keep your operating system updated to reduce the risk of malware.
A rosszindulatú szoftverek kockázatának csökkentése érdekében tartsd naprakészen az operációs rendszeredet.
The company took its network offline after malware was found on several servers.
Learner examples
Malware can damage your computer.
A rosszindulatú szoftver károsíthatja a számítógépedet.
This app helps protect your phone from malware.
Ez az alkalmazás segít megvédeni a telefonodat a rosszindulatú szoftverektől.
Common mistake:
Malware is usually uncountable: say “malware” or “a piece/type of malware,” not usually “a malware.”
Meaning
malicious computer software
Collocations
detect malware
|remove malware
|download malware
|spread malware
|malware infection
|malware attack
|malware protection
|malware scan
|malware sample
|malware strain
Synonyms
malicious software (More explicit and slightly more formal; essentially the full form of malware.)
|
malicious code (More technical; emphasizes the harmful computer code.)
|
computer virus (Often used loosely for malware, but technically a virus is only one type of malware.)
Antonyms
legitimate software (Software that is authorized and not intended to harm a system.)
|
security software (Software intended to protect systems rather than attack them.)
|
benign software (Software that is harmless in this context.)
Themes
technology
|cybersecurity
|computers
|privacy
Definition
Bad software that can harm your computer, phone, or network, or steal your information.
Software designed to damage or disrupt computer systems, gain unauthorized access, or steal information.
Grammar
Dictionary form
malware
IPA
GB/mˈælwˌɛɹ/
US/mˈælwˌɛɹ/
Syllables & stress
mal - ware (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mal)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: malware
- Plural: malwares
Expressions
anti-malware software
1/ˈæntaɪ mˈælwˌɛɹ sˈɔftwˌɛɹ/
fixed phrase
technical
software that blocks malware
A program that helps protect a device from malware.
Examples
- Install anti-malware software and keep it up to date.
- The company’s anti-malware software blocked the suspicious download.
- Free anti-malware software may offer fewer features than a paid version.
Learner examples
- I installed anti-malware software on my laptop.
- Anti-malware software can block dangerous files.
malware analysis
1/mˈælwˌɛɹ ænˈælɪsɪs/
fixed phrase
technical
expert study of malware
Expert study of malware to learn how it works.
Examples
- Security researchers performed malware analysis to see what data the program tried to steal.
- The malware analysis showed that the file contacted a server overseas.
- Malware analysis helped the team create a tool to detect the new threat.
Learner examples
- Malware analysis helps experts understand an attack.
malware attack
1/mˈælwˌɛɹ ətˈæk/
fixed phrase
technical
attack using malware
An attack on computers or a network using malware.
Examples
- The hospital postponed appointments after a malware attack shut down its scheduling system.
- Police said the malware attack began with a fake invoice email.
- A serious malware attack can expose customer data.
Learner examples
- A malware attack can hurt a company.
- The bank reported a malware attack.
malware detection
1/mˈælwˌɛɹ dɪtˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
finding malware
Finding malware before or after it causes problems.
Examples
- The new tool improves malware detection in email attachments.
- Early malware detection can prevent data loss.
- The security team uses machine learning for malware detection.
Learner examples
- Good security apps include malware detection.
- Malware detection helps keep files safe.
malware infection
1/mˈælwˌɛɹ ɪnfˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
malware present on system
A problem where malware is on a device or network.
Examples
- Slow performance and strange pop-ups can be signs of a malware infection.
- The IT team isolated the laptop to stop the malware infection from spreading.
- The scan confirmed a malware infection on two office computers.
Learner examples
- My laptop has a malware infection.
- A malware infection can make a phone slow.
malware protection
1/mˈælwˌɛɹ pɹətˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
protection against malware
Ways to help keep malware away from a device or system.
Examples
- The subscription includes malware protection for three devices.
- Regular updates are an important part of malware protection.
- Businesses need malware protection for email, web browsing, and file sharing.
Learner examples
- This plan includes malware protection.
- Malware protection helps keep your computer safe.
malware removal
1/mˈælwˌɛɹ ɹɪmˈuvəl/
fixed phrase
technical
removing malware from devices
Taking malware off a computer, phone, or network.
Examples
- The repair shop offers malware removal for home computers.
- After malware removal, update your passwords and security settings.
- Some malware removal tools require you to restart the computer.
Learner examples
- I need help with malware removal.
- Malware removal can take a long time.
malware scan
1/mˈælwˌɛɹ skˈæn/
fixed phrase
technical
check for malware
A check that looks for malware on a device or system.
Examples
- Run a malware scan if your browser keeps opening unwanted pages.
- The weekly malware scan found two infected files.
- A full malware scan may take more than an hour.
Learner examples
- Please run a malware scan today.
- The malware scan found no threats.