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What is Malware?
Malware is harmful software made to damage your device, steal your data or spy on you.
- Category Safety & law
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Malware, explained simply
Malware is short for malicious software. It includes viruses, ransomware, spyware and more.
It often sneaks in through fake downloads, bad links or hacked sites. Once in, it may steal passwords or lock your files.
To stay safe, download only from trusted sources, keep software updated and be careful with links and attachments.
On ITG Now, our free tool guides tell you to check a repo is the real one before you install it, to avoid malware.
Related terms
Supply chain attackTyposquattingVulnerabilityZero-dayFake GitHub starsPrompt injection
Where you'll see it on ITG Now
- GuideECC: The Free Claude Code Plugin With 311 Skills (2026)
- GuideMemPalace: Free AI Memory for Claude Code, Stored Locally
Questions people ask about Malware
How does malware get on my computer?
Usually through fake downloads, bad links or email attachments. Sometimes through a flaw in out-of-date software.
Can open-source code have malware?
Yes, any code can. Check that the repo is the official one, read what it does and look at its history.
How do I stay safe from malware?
Use trusted sources, update your system and avoid files you didn't expect. A good security tool helps too.