Rootkits are a type of very malicious malware designed to give cybercriminals / hackers the ability to remotely control your computer. They may remain hidden on your computer. Rootkit software belongs to one of the most dangerous malicious programs that can reach your device. Not only do they generate huge losses, but they can also be very difficult to find and remove.
If you already know that the rootkit gives cybercriminals the ability to remotely control your computer (and other devices), you won’t be surprised that this software may contain many smaller tools (software extension). These can be password theft programs, keyloggers, spyware, remote access to individual parts of the system as well as individual software. In practice, they allow you to disable any type of software, including security software, or to add security exceptions that you won’t learn quickly.
Disabling anti-virus software and other security systems makes the rootkit itself virtually impossible to detect. It can exist for a long time installed on your computer without the knowledge of the user (the owner of the computer or other device), causing significant damage. Most often, in a situation in which we manage to detect such software, the first thing that follows is cutting off access to the network (if it was at the moment a key element of data transmission). The best thing to remove the rootkit is to remove the operating system and reinstall the system.
How does rootkit attack?
Rootkit can infiltrate your operating system, control your device in exactly the same way as any other malware: by infection from modified software, infected email attachments, dangerous links. Rootkit can also appear on mobile devices (phones and tablets) due to applications installed on it, which may request full access to the device resources or simply install spyware. Of course, one solution in this situation is to install applications from a reliable source.
Rootkit can operate in the form of various types of software, very similar functionality. There are, among others: bootloaders – programs that load the system with a specific tool. Then they attack the computer. We also distinguish the hardware rootkit, which most often attacks e.g. BIOS or memory chip software. Equally dangerous are, for example, application rootkits, i.e. malware running along with popular programs used on your computer. For example, when you launch Word or Notepad, malware also starts.
How to protect yourself from rootkit?
Rootkit protection is a preventive measure in areas where the rootkit works. However, as with all types of malware, it is important to act preventively, providing protection for your computer and avoiding suspicious files, applications, links. Updating operating systems, antivirus software and other applications is the best way to protect against rootkits.
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