System Scan Information - Free Rootkit Scan Summary

What are Rootkits?

A Rootkit (aka Root kit), is a type of malware that is especially of concern.  Rootkits attempt to modify your system and are difficult to detect as they try to disguise themselves as many things, even as security software sometimes.

Their presence is generally hidden, even from system processes and they can take control of your operating system.

Typically a rootkit is a trojan type of malware and can often be present on a system for a long time before being detected.

Rootkits may be especially harmful as they can take control of aspects of your system.  They can monitor your system and activities, record keystrokes (keylogging) and all manner of malicious activity.

They can also create a backdoor into your system for others to exploit and further control your system.

Rootkits may alter system registry, including startup programs, as well as alter/delete programs and files on your system. 

Detection is difficult as rootkits are especially good at hiding and disguising themselves.  Scans by security products can detect a lot of rootkits, but you should also use security software that can detect malware through heuristics (ie: detection of malware though behaviour).

For rootkits, try PC Tools Internet Security 2009, which can provide a good level of protection from rootkits.  It includes a free scan (including free rootkit scan) with it's scanner and includes heuristics in it's detection capabilities. We believe this is one of the top system security software products and most of it's features are available for free, including free scans.  It also includes SPAM, MalWare, Viruses, SpyWare, AdWare, Firewall security and more.

Generally for a rootkit to become installed on your system, a user (or another) has to install it.  This may be done by installing what was thought to be legitimate software, but is actually malware.

Rootkits can also be installed by exploiting security vulnerabilities (holes) in operating systems and other products.

To try avoid rootkit infections be cautious as too what software you are loading onto your system and where it comes from.  Limit physical access to your system so as to minimize the chances of others installing rootkits.

Keep your operating system and other software up to date with security updates/patches.

Use a security product like PC Tools Internet Security 2009 to try detect malware like rootkits and try prevent them from causing problems.