What is the main distinction between malware and a software bug?

The main distinction between malware and a software bug lies in their intent and origin. Malware refers to malicious software that is specifically designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise the integrity of a computer system, network, or device. The intent behind malware is to cause damage, steal data, or gain unauthorized access to systems. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware, all of which are developed with malicious intent.

On the other hand, a software bug is an error or flaw in a program's code that leads to unintended behavior. Bugs arise unintentionally during software development, typically due to oversight, mistakes in programming, or unexpected interactions within the code. Unlike malware, which is designed to cause harm, software bugs generally do not have any malicious purpose and are often fixable through updates or patches.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for cybersecurity practices, as it influences how incidents involving malware and software errors are handled and mitigated within systems.