What is malware primarily designed to do?

Malware is primarily designed to cause harm to computing devices and the data they store, manage, or transmit. It encompasses various forms of malicious software, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware, each with the intent to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. The main goal of malware is to exploit vulnerabilities in software and hardware to inflict damage, steal sensitive information, or compromise the functionality of the computer or network, making it a significant threat to users and organizations alike.

In contrast, enhancing software performance or protecting computer systems runs counter to the fundamental purpose of malware. Additionally, while malware may indirectly affect network communication, facilitating communication is not its intended function.