Which term describes software intended to damage computer systems?

The term that describes software intended to damage computer systems is malware. Malware is a broad category that encompasses various types of harmful software, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Its primary purpose is to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems and data. This damaging nature is what sets malware apart from other types of software.

Utility software, on the other hand, is designed to help manage, maintain, and control computer resources and is typically beneficial rather than harmful. Network protocol refers to the set of rules that govern data communication over a network and does not pertain to software designed for malicious purposes. An operating system is the fundamental software that manages hardware and software resources on a computer, providing an interface for users. None of these have the inherent damaging characteristic that defines malware.