Malware
Malware is malicious software designed to disrupt operations, damage systems, steal information, or gain unauthorized access to computer resources.
“Software that is intended to harm a system or its components.”
(Definition reproduced from the ISTQB Glossary. Copyright belongs to ISTQB.)
View the complete ISTQB GlossaryWhat is Malware?
Malware includes viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, trojans, and other malicious programs intended to compromise systems or users.
Malicious intent: Malware is created to cause harm or unauthorized activity.
Multiple forms: Different malware types use different attack techniques.
Security testing: Systems should resist malware infection and execution.
Real World Example
A regulated product team is preparing a release where Malware appears in reviews, test design conversations, or defect triage rather than as an isolated glossary word.
The risk is that the team treats Malware as interchangeable with nearby ISTQB terms. That makes test scope blurry and can lead to weak evidence for the release decision.
The tester anchors the discussion in the official definition, asks where the concept appears in the product, and designs examples that show the difference between Malware and similar ideas.
The page becomes useful in practice because Malware is connected to a specific testing decision, not memorized as a detached definition.
Practice Questions
Question 1
Which statement BEST describes Malware in the context of ISTQB terminology?
Question 2
A tester needs to explain Malware to a non‑technical stakeholder. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
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