Rootkit Virus: Definition, Types, How

it Works and How to Overcome it

Rootkit is malware designed to manipulate the operating system directly to hardware such as computers and laptops. Amazingly, this virus is able to hide in the device and continue to be active without the user realizing it.

Computer users will feel that the device they are using is functioning properly without any problems. However, during that time the virus will attack as a whole which causes damage to the software or hardware system.

Rootkit viruses are used in cybercrime where attackers can steal data or files that are personal to cases of money theft. That way, the understanding of rootkits as dangerous viruses for user devices needs to be prevented so that they do not develop on the device.

What are the Types of Rootkits?

The difficulty in detecting this rootkit virus means that you must recognize the type of dangerous virus. So that you can be careful of the presence of a rootkit virus on your device, recognize the types of rootkits below, namely:

– Kernel Mode Rootkit

Kernel mode rootkits are one of the most dangerous types of rootkit viruses. The kernel mode rootkit type can cause damage after successfully infecting the device and running in idle mode.

– User Mode Rootkit

The user mode rootkit type is created by modifying the binary code directly. The rootkit is easily found in trojan type malware and injects viruses into a device directly.

– Library Rootkit

To make it easier to develop an application, programmers usually use a rootkit library. That means, this rootkit works by attacking the system library.

– Bootloader Rootkit

The bootloader rootkit or often called the Evil Maid Attack is able to control the booting process of the computer operating system through the MBR (Master Boot Record).

– Hypervisor Level Rootkit

This hypervisor level rootkit is able to virtualize the computer system into a Guest Operating System. That way, all control of the system will be taken over by this rootkit.

Of the five types, they have different impacts. In general, the impact of the rootkit itself is that it can damage the computer network and allow illegal theft of data or information.

After successfully infecting a computer device, the rootkit virus will cause damage to both software and hardware that is difficult for users to detect.

How Does a Rootkit Work?

As mentioned earlier, rootkits are viruses that can hide on devices, both computers and laptops. That way, the way the rootkit works itself is to attack its users to access the device and change personal information, attack other computer devices and cybercrime.

Even using antivirus removal, this rootkit virus is difficult to detect 100%. To be able to remove this virus, you can use the Rkhunter device or rootkit hunter tool.

Rootkit hunters can maintain a database of hash values ​​from unidentified binary systems. Rkhunter will scan the system that is detected and not detected for the presence of rootkits by comparing the hash values.

How to Overcome Rootkits?

Detecting the presence of a rootkit virus that has been installed is indeed quite difficult. This is because the rootkit virus is specifically designed to remain hidden.

However, you don’t need to worry. Even though it seems like it is not infected with the rootkit virus, you can overcome this problem. Here are the most appropriate ways to overcome the rootkit virus:

1. Install Antivirus

The way to overcome rootkits is to equip the device with the most reliable antivirus. This step is the first step in protecting the device from virus attacks that can result in personal data leaks.

2. Avoid Untrusted Links

One way the rootkit virus works is to spread the virus through phishing links. For that, you need to be careful in finding untrusted links, especially when using the internet system.

3. Clean the Operating System and Reinstall Windows

Not only updating the operating system, cleaning the device regularly can be used as a step in stopping rootkit attacks. In fact, you need to delete the software that is infected with the virus and reinstall it.

How to Avoid Rootkits?

Basically, rootkit viruses can be removed using an Rkhunter application. The purpose of the application is to check data and files that have been detected by the Rootkit virus. Here are some ways to avoid rootkits that you can do:

1. Use Antivirus

To avoid the rootkit virus, using antivirus is the main way you need to do. This antivirus will help prevent, detect and delete devices damaged by viruses.

2. Make sure the software is up to date

Updating software helps you maintain device security. By ensuring the software is up to date, it indirectly helps fix deficiencies in the previous version. The software used to update the device is also protected from malware or other types of viruses.

3. Perform Network Monitoring

A network monitoring system needs to be carried out to monitor activity on the network. This monitoring is used to find out which network devices are dead or alive due to viruses or malware that attack.

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