rootkit definition of rootkit in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

rootkit

A type of Trojan that keeps itself, other files, registry keys and network connections hidden from detection. It enables an attacker to have "root" access to the computer, which means it runs at the lowest level of the machine. A rootkit typically intercepts common API calls. For example, it can intercept requests to a file manager such as Explorer and cause it to keep certain files hidden from display, even reporting false file counts and sizes to the user. Rootkits came from the Unix world and started out as a set of altered utilities such as the ls command, which is used to list file names in the directory (folder).

Legitimate Rootkits?
Rootkits can also be used for what some vendors consider valid purposes. For example, if digital rights management (DRM) software is installed and kept hidden, it can control the use of licensed, copyrighted material and also prevent the user from removing the hidden enforcement program. However, such usage is no more welcomed than a rootkit that does damage or allows spyware to thrive without detection. See Trojan.

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No references found	By taking control of these hooks, the rootkit can intercept and manipulate the computer system's data at will essentially letting the user see only what it wants the user to see," Jiang added. How to block stealthy malware attacks by Asian News International AV providers likely are having a tough time protecting users because the trojan has sophisticated morphing and rootkit mechanisms that allow it to penetrate deep into operating systems. Zbot evades most anti-virus programs by Angela Moscaritolo / SC Magazine Security Shield 2009: Security Shield includes Antiphishing, Antivirus & Antispyware, Firewall & Rootkit Detection, Parental Control, Spam Protection, Privacy Protection, and Family Network Protection. Software Programs for Internet Safety by A Nutt / Computers and Internet community	root symbol root task root test root version root vertex root zone Root, Elihu Root, Elisha King Root, George Frederick Root, Gladys Towles Root, John Wellborn Root, Waverley root-balled Root-Knot Nematode Root-Knot Nematodes root-mean-square current Root-Mean-Square Deviation root-mean-square error root-mean-square sound pressure root-mean-square value root-squaring methods root-sum-square value rooted ordered tree rooted tree rooter rootkit rootless vent Roots blower Roots Festival rootstock rootworm Roozeboom's Rules Roozeboom, Hendrik Willem Bakhuis ROP ropak rope rope boring rope caulk rope chaff rope cutter rope drive rope drum rope molding rope rider rope sheave rope socket rope suspension equalizer rope-and-button conveyor rope-lay conductor roped hydraulic elevator Roper Lake State Park	Rooting compound Rooting compound Rooting compound rooting for rooting for rooting for rooting for Rooting hormone Rooting hormone Rooting hormone Rooting instinct rooting on rooting on rooting on rooting on rooting out rooting out rooting out rooting out Rooting powder Rooting powder Rooting powder rooting reflex rooting reflex rooting reflex rooting reflex rooting up rooting up rooting up rooting up rootkit Rootkit Analysis Identification Elimination Rootkit Detector Rootkit/archive Rootkits rootle rootled rootles rootless rootless vent rootlessness rootlet rootlet rootlet rootlet rootlets rootlets rootlets rootlets rootling roots roots roots roots roots roots Roots and rebellion Roots blower Roots Festival roots for roots for

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By taking control of these hooks, the rootkit can intercept and manipulate the computer system's data at will essentially letting the user see only what it wants the user to see," Jiang added.

How to block stealthy malware attacks by Asian News International

AV providers likely are having a tough time protecting users because the trojan has sophisticated morphing and rootkit mechanisms that allow it to penetrate deep into operating systems.

Zbot evades most anti-virus programs by Angela Moscaritolo / SC Magazine

Security Shield 2009: Security Shield includes Antiphishing, Antivirus & Antispyware, Firewall & Rootkit Detection, Parental Control, Spam Protection, Privacy Protection, and Family Network Protection.

Software Programs for Internet Safety by A Nutt / Computers and Internet community