Which of the following describes a type of malware that primarily affects network resources?

The correct choice highlights a type of malware that encompasses various forms of malicious software that can primarily impact network resources. Malware is a broad term that includes a range of harmful programs designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. This can include viruses, worms, trojans, and other disruptive entities that operate over networks, often targeting vulnerabilities to infiltrate and compromise networked systems.

In contrast, ransomware specifically refers to a type of malware that encrypts a user's files, demanding payment for the decryption key. While it affects systems and data, its primary focus is on extorting money rather than generally impacting network resources.

Cryptojacking is another specific type of malware, where the attacker uses the resources of a networked device to mine cryptocurrency without the owner's consent. Although it uses network resources, it has a more focused goal related to illicit financial gain rather than compromising network integrity broadly.

Phishing is a social engineering technique aimed at tricking users into providing sensitive information. While it often leads to malware infections, it itself is not defined as a type of malware, thereby making it distinct from the broader category of malware impacts on networks.

Thus, the choice that focuses on a category affecting network resources is indeed malware, encapsulating various