Reply to this between 150-200 words
1)
Rootkit is defined as malicious software that can allow an unauthorised user to gain access to a computer. This application or software can allow hackers to gain remote access to the computer and will remain undetected in the computer. When hackers make use of some tips and tricks to steal passwords of a user or when they trick users with a malicious link that downloads this malicious application into the user system, they install a backdoor in the background. This entire process may not be noticed by the user and this can give them full-time access to the computer as long as it is powered on.
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Rootkits are usually designed by hackers to provide them administrator privileges. When there are vulnerabilities in a computer or in the applications installed on the computer, hackers try to exploit them and install these rootkits without the knowledge of users. When there are rootkits installed on a computer, one can observe some kind of strange behaviour on the computer. By making use of windows task manager we can notice higher cpu or system resources usage and we can even go through the memory dump analysis which shows heavy data usage. If such kind of unwanted behaviour is observed, the best method to remove such rootkits is to format and rebuild the entire system. To prevent such risks from occurring, it is advised to install the original operating system and update it from time to time. The applications installed on the computer have to be downloaded from trusted sites only and they must also be updated regularly. Susan Bradley (2019) states that, If you are impacted by a rootkit, the best way to recover is to fully reinstall the operating system and install or reinstall the firmware. Reset passwords to accounts as needed
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Computer viruses and other malware are real threats. And rootkits might be the most dangerous, both in the damage they can cause and the difficulty you might have in finding and removing them. Rootkits are a type of malware that are designed so that they can remain hidden on your computer. But while you might not notice them, they are active. Rootkits give cybercriminals the ability to remotely control your computer.
Rootkits can contain a number of tools, ranging from programs that allow hackers to steal your passwords to modules that make it easy for them to steal your credit card or online banking information. Rootkits can also give hackers the ability to subvert or disable security software and track the keys you tap on your keyword, making it easy for criminals to steal your personal information. Because rootkits can hijack or subvert security software, they are especially hard to detect, making it likely that this type of malware could live on your computer for a long time causing significant damage. Sometimes the only way to completely eliminate a well-hidden rootkit is to erase your computers operating system and rebuild from scratch. How do rootkits get on your computer? You might open an email and download a file that looks safe but is actually a virus. You might also accidentally download a rootkit through an infected mobile app. Here is a look at the different types of rootkits and how you can help protect against them are Hardware or firmware rootkit, Bootloader rootkit, Memory rootkit, Application rootkit.
Because rootkits are so dangerous, and so difficult to detect, its important to exercise caution when surfing the internet or downloading programs. There is no way to magically protect yourself from all rootkits. Fortunately, you can increase your odds of avoiding these attacks by following the same common-sense strategies you take to avoid all computer viruses, including these.
