What is "malware as a service" (MaaS)?

"Malware as a service" (MaaS) refers to a model in which cybercriminals can purchase access to various types of malware and associated services for a fee. This model has emerged as a trend in the cybercriminal landscape, allowing individuals with limited technical skills to engage in criminal activities by leveraging sophisticated tools created by others.

Through MaaS, perpetrators can obtain malware designed for data theft, ransomware, phishing, or any number of malicious purposes without needing to develop these tools themselves. This aspect of MaaS not only facilitates the spread of malware but also contributes to the overall growth of cybercrime by lowering the barriers to entry for potential attackers.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the definition of MaaS. Personal storage using malware, subscription-based antivirus software, and platforms for reporting malware incidents do not capture the essence of MaaS, which is primarily focused on the monetization and distribution of malicious software and services to enable illicit activities.