Which of the following statements about malware is correct?

Malware is a broad term that encompasses a variety of malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems and networks. The correct statement highlights that malware can indeed affect a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. This versatility allows malware to exploit vulnerabilities in different operating systems and platforms, emphasizing the importance of having robust security measures in place across all types of devices.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of malware. For instance, claiming that malware only affects mobile devices is inaccurate, as many types of malware are specifically designed for traditional computers or can operate across different platforms. Asserting that all malware types are viruses is misleading, considering that malware includes a variety of forms such as worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, each with different characteristics. Lastly, the notion that malware is always easy to detect overlooks the reality that many modern malware strains employ sophisticated evasion techniques, making detection a challenging task for security software and professionals. Thus, the expansive impact of malware on various devices is a critical aspect of understanding its implications for data security.