What type of threats does malicious software encompass?

Malicious software, commonly referred to as malware, encompasses a broad range of software that is designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise devices and networks. This includes not only viruses and worms but also other types of threats such as ransomware, spyware, adware, trojans, and rootkits, among others. The definition of malware is inclusive of any malicious code that poses a risk to the integrity, availability, or confidentiality of information systems.

Selecting the option that states "All types of software that harm or exploit devices" accurately reflects the comprehensive nature of malware. It recognizes that the category of malicious software is not limited to a subset, but rather includes any software with harmful intent, which can manifest in various ways and affect users in numerous contexts.

In contrast, the other options restrict the definition of malware to specific types or expressions of malicious software, which does not represent the complete landscape of threats present in the cybersecurity domain. Malware can take many forms and continuously evolves, making it essential to cover the entire spectrum when discussing the threats it represents.