In computer security, what does the term 'malware' encompass?

The term 'malware' is specifically used to refer to software that is designed with malicious intent, aiming to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of computers and networks. This can include various types of harmful software such as viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, and trojans, all of which can inflict damage or unauthorized access to systems.

In the context provided, the other options focus on benign or protective software. Software designed to optimize performance typically seeks to enhance functionality without any malicious intent, and software that manages system resources is focused on efficient computer operation. Similarly, software aimed at protecting against threats constitutes security software, which works proactively to defend systems rather than exploit them. Thus, none of these alternatives are aligned with the malicious nature inherent in malware, reinforcing that option C is the correct characterization of this term.