What Are Rootkits and How to Get Rid of Them | Complete Security Software

More than a thousand viruses are created every day. Until recently, their main goal was to infect a computer with benefits for the creator. Now things are a little different. Attackers began to create entire networks from infected computers to increase their profit. For example, such networks are used for various DDOS attacks, sending electronic spam, mining cryptocurrency, and other activities. Rootkits are used for such purposes. Below we will analyze what rootkits are, how they are dangerous, and how to deal with them.

General Information

Rootkits in English "Rootkit" - malicious software (viruses) that penetrate the computer in various illegal ways. They are designed to gain partial or complete control over the device.

After activation, the virus registers itself in the system, installs additional components, edits the registry, and thereby gains privileged access to the device. And that already means that hackers can do whatever they want. 

What Type of Malware Are Rootkits?

If we divide all viruses into types, then rootkits can be put on a par with trojans and worms. Because they have a very similar principle of action.

It consists of breaking into the system and stealing personal data or gaining control over the device.

And everything else will already happen at the request of the attackers. They can either block access to the device and demand a ransom or steal confidential information and use it for their own purposes. For example, hackers can get your logins and passwords from social networks, log in under your name, and ask to borrow money from your friends. By the way, this is a fairly common hack.

Why Are They Dangerous?

After we figured out what rootkits are, let's talk about how dangerous they are. The rootkit virus allows cybercriminals to easily obtain confidential information stored on your computer. For example, bank card details, logins, passwords, correspondence, and other important information.

In addition, with the help of rootkit viruses, hackers are able to perform various fraudulent activities using your PC. After all, they have full access, remember, you yourself gave it.

Symptoms of a Rootkit Infection

As with any other popular virus, there are several symptoms of rootkit infection: 

• Incomprehensible attempts to access your social networks, mailboxes, and other services. 
• Loss of personal information on the computer. 
• Partial or complete blocking of access to the PC. 
• Slow operation of a laptop or PC, high consumption of RAM in idle mode, high processor load. All of this can be viewed using the task manager. 
• Poor or no internet connection. 

If in your case there is at least one point, then it is advisable to conduct a full check for the presence of rootkits.

How to Protect Your Computer From Further Infection

• Do not connect unknown devices to the computer, for example, USB flash drives found on the street or in a cafe. But if you are impatient, then do it on a device with antivirus installed.
• Do not download programs from unknown sources.
• Don't trust email spam.
• Try not to visit suspicious sites.
• Install a complete, comprehensive antivirus like complete security software. Even if it's free. Here is a ranking of the most popular ones.
• If you don't want to install antivirus, then at least turn on Windows Defender.

By following these recommendations, you will significantly increase the safety of your personal data.