What kind of data does malware typically aim to steal?

Malware is predominantly designed to target personal and sensitive information because this type of data holds significant value for cybercriminals. This can include financial information, such as credit card numbers and banking credentials, as well as personal details like Social Security numbers, passwords, and healthcare information. By obtaining this data, cybercriminals can commit identity theft, fraud, and other forms of illicit activities that can have dire financial and emotional consequences for the individuals affected.

In contrast, publicly available information does not present the same level of risk or value to attackers, making it a less likely target for malware. Details related to software licenses are not typically the focus of such attacks since they do not provide immediate financial benefit or critical access to someone's digital identity. System performance data, while useful for understanding how a device operates, does not directly translate into personal gain, making it an uncommon target for malware. Thus, the primary aim of malware is to exploit vulnerabilities to access and steal personal and sensitive information for malicious purposes.