Malicious code is also known as _______ and is intended to compromise data integrity.

Malicious code is referred to as malware, a term that encompasses various types of harmful software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems and networks. Malware can come in different forms, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware, all of which can compromise data integrity.

The term "malware" succinctly captures the essence of software that is malicious in nature and emphasizes its core objective: to interfere with the normal functioning of computing systems. By compromising data integrity, malware can manipulate, steal, or destroy data, leading to severe consequences for individuals and organizations.

Understanding malware is crucial in the context of cybersecurity, as it highlights the need for protective measures and awareness strategies to safeguard data and systems from such threats. In contrast, the other options, while related to software issues, do not accurately define malicious code aimed specifically at compromising data integrity.