What is Rootkits and how it works?

What is Rootkits and how it works?

What is a rootkit?

Is software that allows it to control the computer without being detected by the administrator, affecting operating system performance as well as affecting other applications. From the word rootkit “root” a privileged account” “kit” a “software element that execute or implement the tool”. The rootkit is malicious software that is triggered every time your computer startup. It installs processes, user accounts and files that are hidden. In other words it acts as a spy on the user and transmits actions back to the rootkit initiator stealing data, keystrokes and hiding files from your operating system.

Some Rootkits use for reasonable purposes; it is used by employers, law enforcers or even by parents to monitor the computer usage. On the other hand, attackers, intruders, spies use rootkits to have a full control over your computer system for unlawful acts.

How to know if you are a victim of Rootkit?

Rootkits cannot be detected easily, as I have said rootkit are already loaded before your operating system has been loaded. Rootkits most often bypasses anti-virus because rootkits conceal their identity with your operating system files, having the same name and file size. You can get infected by rootkits to unsafe web browsing, p2p even e-mail or through cds and dvd’s that you buy. High CPU usage, slow system performance and decreasing space on your hard drive are some signs of rootkit infestation.

What are the types of Rootkit?

Persistent rootkit, it is a kind of malware that loads itself every time your computer startup. It has a code on which they are automatically executed from the registry or the file system whenever the computer is booted.

User-mode Rootkits, this type of rootkits avoids detection by intercepting the software that could possibly detect them. For example on anti-virus, it can place it inside the program hiding itself from being detected and altering the result of the anti-virus.

Kernel-mode Rootkits, it hides itself by removing the processes that are associated with it. You cannot see its activity even under the task manager or any application software that shows all the processes in your system.

Memory-bases Rootkits, they embed themselves under computer memory. It occupies an address space in the computer RAM.

How to remove Rootkits?

Removing rootkits is not an easy task, because they conceal themselves from antivirus and other malware scanners. So, some prefer to back up their files and perform a format in their hard drive. This is the safest method rather than using a rootkit removal tool. But you can also use a rootkit removal tool if you are sure that it comes from a trusted source

Here is the list of recommended rootkit removal tools.

• Acronis Privacy Expert Suite – provides realtime protection against spyware, malware, rootkits and other malicious programs.
• F-Secure Backlight – a rootkit detector that finds hidden objects from users and security tools
• Rootkit Revealer – is an advanced rootkit utility that detects various types of rootkits