What is defined as malware?

Malware, short for "malicious software," refers specifically to software that is designed with harmful intent, such as to access, disrupt, damage, or delete a computer's information without the user’s consent. This encompasses a variety of software types, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, all aimed at compromising the security and functionality of computer systems.

The definition provided in the correct choice captures the essence of what malware does—its primary purpose is to infiltrate systems and either steal sensitive data or cause harm, making this answer accurate. Other options describe different categories of software that do not fit the definition or context of malware. For instance, hardware or legally used software for educational purposes does not exhibit malicious intent, nor do applications designed for school management aim to harm a computer’s data. Therefore, the focus on harmful software in the correct answer makes it the right choice in understanding what malware is and its implications in the realm of cybersecurity.