Friday, November 9, 2007

What is a rootkit and why you should care to find out

The term 'root kit' to be put simply is used to describe the techniques that spyware and viruses try to hide themselves from programs you would use to remove them (ie Anti Virus software, Adaware, Spybot, etc). There are different types of root kits but not to confuse people too much that is the basic way of explaining it.

Why should you care to find out what a root kit is? If you run a small business with servers or workstations that carry very sensitive information then it is critical. You could have a virus damaging files or keyloggers sending your information out to some person on the Internet without you even knowing it. Even if your anti-virus software and anti spyware is saying your systems are A-OK.

Just to be on the safe side there is a tool you can download along with instructions on how to use it from Microsoft's TechNet community.

RootkitRevealer v1.71

No comments: