what is meant by rootkit course hero

What is a rootkit?

A rootkit refers to potentially malicious software that enables access to the kernel of an operating system and conceals itself along with other software. Rootkits allow for bad actors to deliver malware that often goes undetected by antivirus.

Why are rootkits important?

These are critical in supplying the operating system with information about running processes such as requests to external programs . Rootkits can be unique in some features, but many tend to be used for stealthy intelligence gathering; many wait for remote commands from a command and control server.

How to prevent rootkit infection?

The best way to prevent a rootkit infection is to reduce the potential for malicious compromise through system hardening and proactive cybersecurity.

What is a Hikit?

HiKit - A rootkit used by a Chinese-based espionage group called Axiom. HiKit was meant for intelligence gathering and functioned similarly to a remote access trojan (RAT) (Novetta, 2014). Stuxnet - worm developed to target the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems of Iran's nuclear facility.

How does a rootkit work?

What Is A Rootkit And How Does It Work? Operating systems provide different access levels to users based on their privileges, and certain mechanisms remain in place to protect their permissions. There are varying levels of user privilege which determine their level of access to an operating system.

Can rootkits go undetected?

Rootkits can go undetected for an extended period. Their core uses are to gather intelligence on infected systems; this makes them a major threat to government agencies, critical infrastructure, and enterprise environments.

What is Rootkit

A Rootkit is a malicious computer program that provides the root level, i.e., the admin-level privileges, to the attacker behind it. The term Rootkit is derived from two words, Root and Kit. Root means the complete control of the operating system, and Kit implies the collection of tools.

How can Rootkit be used

Using a Rootkit, its controller can perform many malicious tasks. Following are some of the common practices for which a Rootkit is used −

How to defend against a Rootkit

Since Rootkit is challenging to detect and can remain hidden into the system, it becomes almost impossible to control it after its infiltration. A Rootkit attack can be highly hazardous to the system or the organization. It is better to be protective against it rather than dealing with it after the attack.