When it comes to surfing the Internet, there are many attacks that we can suffer. Many types of threats that in one way or another can affect us. There is malware capable of stealing passwords, information or data; others, on the other hand, can seriously damage the proper functioning of a team. We can even run into ransomware, a type of attack that hijacks our files or systems and asks for a ransom in return. In this article we are going to talk about what a rootkit is and what types are there . We will also see how it can affect us.
What is a rootkit
A rootkit is one of the many types of malware out there. However, it has certain peculiarities that make it different from other threats that we can find on the Internet. It is basically a malicious software that allows intruders to enter a computer. Those intruders also get privileged access to be able to manage as they want.
It can hide different programs, processes or files. Its name is not by chance, and it may actually be a toolkit designed to allow an attacker to take control of a computer once it has accessed.
Hackers can use different methods to sneak rootkits . They can take advantage of existing vulnerabilities on a computer, for example. Also attack users who are connected to an insecure Wi-Fi network or even through IoT devices.
What types of rootkits are there
As usually happens in many varieties of malware, in the case of rootkits we can also find different types. Let’s see which are the main ones.
- Kernel rootkit : they are the ones that act at the kernel level. You can get all the privileges granted to the operating system.
- Application rootkit : in this case it is a type that works at the application level. They can replace or modify modules, files, or application code. It may pass for legitimate software.
- Memory : There is also the option of memory rootkits. They work in RAM and thus avoid leaving a fingerprint or file signature on the hard drive.
- Bootkit : acts on the boot loader. They start before the operating system does, right after turning on the computer. They are very difficult to remove.
- Library rootkits : act as a kernel patch. They can block or modify requests in the system. It could also replace system libraries.
- Firmware : one more type is the firmware rootkits of network devices. It allows to grant full control by hackers.
What can a rootkit do on our computer
We have seen what a rootkit is, what types there are and now we will see what it can actually do. We are going to show how it can affect a user.
- Install a backdoor – One of the main functions of a rootkit is to create a backdoor on a system. This would later allow an attacker to gain access to the computer and take full control.
- Add other varieties of malware : Following the previous thread, you could also install other varieties of malware on that infected computer. For example you could sneak in a keylogger to steal passwords.
- Read, copy or modify files : With full control of a computer, an attacker could read files, copy them or even modify them. This could compromise the privacy of users, since everything would be exposed on the Internet.
- Change system settings : In addition, you could change any parameter of the system settings. At the end of the day it is as if you were in front of the screen, having total control over that team.
- Register credentials and keys : this is something highly valued on the network by attackers. Thanks to sneaking rootkits into a system, they could also record user names and passwords for logging into accounts.
Ultimately, a rootkit is a major threat. We have seen what types there are and how it can affect us. It is essential to always have security tools and to have updated equipment to avoid being victims of this problem.