How does a rootkit work?

A rootkit is a type of malicious software that gives unauthorized access to a computer system, allowing the attacker to control it without the user's knowledge. Rootkits work by hiding their presence and ensuring their persistence, making them difficult to detect and remove. Once installed, a rootkit usually intercepts system functions, modifies data structures, and manipulates low-level operating system components to gain root or administrator privileges. It can then create backdoors, collect sensitive information, disable security features, or carry out other malicious activities. The use of stealth techniques and encryption helps rootkits evade detection by antivirus software and security tools, making them a potent and insidious tool for cybercriminals.

This mind map was published on 9 October 2023 and has been viewed 81 times.