What is a malicious computer virus designed to damage a computer called?

A malicious computer virus designed to damage a computer is referred to as malware. The term "malware" is a broad category that encompasses various types of malicious software, including viruses, worms, trojan horses, and more, all of which are created with the intent to harm devices, networks, or users. Malware can disrupt system functionality, corrupt data, steal sensitive information, or even render a system inoperable.

While other terms listed are also related to unwanted software, they have specific definitions that do not cover the general concept of damage caused by malware. For example, adware is designed to display advertisements to users, and spyware is intended to collect user data without their knowledge. Ransomware, on the other hand, is a specific type of malware that locks or encrypts a victim's data, demanding a ransom for its release. Thus, "malware" is the overarching term that most accurately describes any malicious software, including viruses aimed at causing damage.