What is a malicious script primarily used for?

A malicious script is primarily used for unauthorized actions or attacks against a computer system or network. These scripts are designed with the intent to exploit vulnerabilities, gain unauthorized access, or perform harmful actions without the consent of the user. Malicious scripts can range from simple to highly complex, and they often automate processes that compromise system security, steal sensitive information, or disrupt normal operations.

In the context of cybersecurity, recognizing the purpose of a malicious script is crucial for incident response, as it allows security analysts to quickly identify threats and mitigate potential damage. In contrast, the other options refer to beneficial or neutral actions within a system. Enhancing security protocols contributes to a system's defense, data encryption is designed to protect information, and system optimization aims to improve performance—all of which are contrary to the destructive nature of malicious scripts.