Rootkit

Rootkits are very elusive to a computer’s standard security mechanisms. They are very similar to Trojan horses in how they trick individuals into running and launching them onto their operating systems. Tactics used for this include concealing the run process from monitoring applications, or hiding system files and data from the hard drive. As of late, rootkits have largely been a part of malware to aid hackers in their efforts to penetrate a computer system. A rootkit has the ability not only hide files, but also impact network connections. It can also block system memory and entries made in the registry from other applications needed by system administrators. Rootkits may also hide out with healthy files to elude an anti-virus scan. Rootkits that conceal themselves within utility applications do so to inflict more damage on a compromised system. They often include backdoors that allow a hacker to easily take command of the computer.