So, just what is a rootkit?
Published Jan 15, 2008
Rootkits are programs that take advantage of the Windows' file system to hide the presence of themselves and the malware programs that they promote.
That means you can't see them by looking at the files on your machine, they are, in effect, stealth files you can't detect. But it gets worse, because your anti-virus program can't see them either and so there is no realistic way that you can know if they're there! And rootkits can be used to hide software that steals your passwords or lets a hacker take control of your computer or that hides spyware so these are serious pieces of kit. But if you can't see them, what can you do?
It's pretty frustrating and it's taking a long time for the anti-virus companies to come up with rootkit detection and removal software. One problem is that, as soon as there's a breakthrough, those who write rootkits update their products to get round it and we are effectively back to square one. At the present moment, however, a lot of research is under way to find a cure and I am sure that effective rootkit detector and removal programs will soon appear.
In the meantime, however, take these steps to stay as safe as you can.
1. The first thing to do is to make sure that you have antivirus installed and that it is kept up to date.
2. The second thing to get is a good firewall and make sure that you know how to use it and, if you are on a network, try to understand how to configure it for maximum security.
3. Make sure that you back up all the files on your system that need backing up and do this often.
4. Be careful and think twice before surfing to sites that may be potentially hazardous and don't install software unless you are 100% certain that it is safe. Use the free Siteadvisor software with your browser to check sites when surfing and check out software by using a search engine to see if anyone has reported problems.
If you think you may be infected, check the internet for the latest information on rootkit detection and removal and be prepared for a possible reinstallation of Windows as a last resort.
But don't have nightmares! If you take the steps outlined above and surf carefully you will probably not be troubled. Just be sure to install the anti-rootkit software once it becomes available.
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