What is a rootkits?

Posted on in Categories last updated August 28, 2006

A rootkit is a:

  • Set of software tools
  • Used by a an intruder
  • Installed by an intruder after gaining access to a computer system
  • They hides:
  • Logins
  • Other processes
  • Files, and logs etc from user

Rootkits exist for a variety of operating systems such as Linux, Solaris and versions of Microsoft Windows. A computer with a rootkit on it is called a rooted computer.

Posted by: Vivek Gite

The author is the creator of nixCraft and a seasoned sysadmin and a trainer for the Linux operating system/Unix shell scripting. He has worked with global clients and in various industries, including IT, education, defense and space research, and the nonprofit sector. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+.

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