Cybersecurity Glossary
Rootkit
Malware that hides itself deep in the operating system so that it survives and stays invisible.
What Rootkit means
A rootkit modifies the operating system so that the malicious files, processes and network connections do not appear in normal listings. Because the tools you would use to look are the ones being deceived, detection from inside the running system is unreliable.
Why Rootkit matters for small businesses and nonprofits
A rootkit means the machine can no longer be trusted. The realistic response is to rebuild it from known good media rather than to clean it, which is a strong practical argument for having a fast, documented rebuild process.
What to do about Rootkit
- Enable secure boot and firmware protections on all machines
- Plan to rebuild rather than to disinfect a seriously compromised system
- Keep device configuration in a management system so a rebuild takes hours, not days
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