Firmware vs. Malware — What's the Difference?

In computing, firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware. Firmware, such as the BIOS of a personal computer, may contain only elementary basic functions of a device and may only provide services to higher-level software.

Malware (a portmanteau for malicious software) is any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. By contrast, software that causes unintentional harm due to some deficiency is typically described as a software bug.

Software stored in a computer's ROM.

Malicious computer software that interferes with normal computer functions or sends personal data about the user to unauthorized parties over the internet.

(computing) Something in between hardware and software. Like software, it is created from source code, but it is closely tied to the hardware it runs on.

(computing) Software which has been designed to operate in a malicious, undesirable manner.

Software intended for such embedded computer applications.

(computer science) coded instructions that are stored permanently in read-only memory