Which of the following is a characteristic of malware?

Malware is specifically designed to infiltrate, damage, or exploit systems and data for various malicious purposes. One of its key characteristics is that it seeks to obtain sensitive information without the consent of the user. This could include personal data, financial information, or login credentials.

In contrast, the other options present characteristics that do not align with the fundamental purpose and nature of malware. For instance, enhancing system performance or protecting data integrity are objectives typically associated with legitimate software designed to improve system operation or security. These characteristics are antithetical to the malicious intent inherent in malware. Additionally, the idea that malware is always a physical component misrepresents how malware operates; it can be software-based, such as viruses, worms, or Trojans, and does not necessitate a physical form.