A rootkit is a type of malicious software that allows an attacker to gain access to and control your computer system. Here's a more detailed look at rootkits:

🔎What is a Rootkit?

A rootkit is a type of malware program that enables cyber criminals to gain access to and infiltrate data from machines without being detected. It covers software toolboxes designed to infect computers, give the attacker remote control, and remain hidden for a long period of time.

🔎How Does a Rootkit Work?

Rootkits can be installed through several methods, but they typically target a vulnerability in a machine’s operating system (OS) or application on the machine. Attackers will target known vulnerabilities and use exploit code to attack a machine, then install a rootkit and other components that give them remote access.

🔎Effects of Rootkits

Rootkits are one of the most difficult malware strands to discover and remove, and are frequently used to eavesdrop on users and launch attacks on machines. A rootkit usually provides an attacker with a backdoor into a machine, which gives them access to the infected computer and enables them to change or remove software and components when they choose.

🔎Types of Rootkits

There are several rootkit virus types that give attackers different routes into computers and enable them to steal data from users. These include:

1. Firmware Rootkits: These aim to infect a computer’s hard drive and basic input/output system (BIOS), the software installed onto a small memory chip in the motherboard.

2. Bootloader Rootkits: These attack the system by replacing a machine’s bootloader with a hacked version.

3. Kernel Mode Rootkits: These add new code to the operating system or delete and edit operating system code.

4. User Mode Rootkits: These modify the behavior of application programming interfaces.

🔎Prevention and Removal

To prevent rootkits, it's important to be cautious about what you download and install on your device. If you suspect that your device has been infected with a rootkit, you can use a rootkit cleaner or removal tool to get rid of it. These tools are designed to detect and remove unwanted programs and junkware, restoring your device's performance.

Remember, rootkits are a serious threat to your cybersecurity, so it's important to take steps to protect your device and personal information from them.

Source:

(1) What is a Rootkit and How Does it Work? - extnoc.com. https://www.extnoc.com/learn/security/rootkit.
(2) What Is a Rootkit? How to Defend and Stop Them? | Fortinet. https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/rootkit.
(3) What is Rootkit? Attack Definition & Examples - CrowdStrike. https://www.crowdstrike.com/cybersecurity-101/malware/rootkits/.
(4) Cybersecurity | Malware | Rootkit | Codecademy. https://www.codecademy.com/resources/docs/cybersecurity/malware/rootkit.
(5) What is a rootkit? Detection + prevention tips - Norton. https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/rootkit.