Uproooting Rootkits

What are rootkits, you say?

A rootkit is a set of software tools intended to conceal running processes, files or system data from the operating system. Rootkits have their origin in relatively benign applications, but in recent years have been used increasingly by malware to help intruders maintain access to systems while avoiding detection. Rootkits exist for a variety of operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Linux and Solaris. Rootkits often modify parts of the operating system or install themselves as drivers or kernel modules.

The best way to go about removing rootkits is to get a good scanner and removal tool. Here’s some free tools that PC Magazine recommends:

A modern antispyware utility is a ruthless killer. The moment it sees a malicious program that matches one of its virus or spyware signatures, it terminates the process and deletes all file and Registry traces. But what if the malware is completely invisible to the antispyware program? Hackers and virus wizards don’t have to go to Hogwarts for a cloak of invisibility. All they need is a little dose of rootkit magic.