Rootkit – A New Trojan Is On The Move

Internet is flooded with malicious codes that once downloaded on your PC can hardly be removed ever, reason being the built-in protections that these codes are armed with. Among the worst of such codes is "Rootkit", say experts.

Hackers can easily dominate any PC with Rootkit, as the malware enables them to obtain manager-level privileges in a given network. The string of Rootkit code took up more than half of the total adware and spyware reported by computer users during the year 2006. However, the situation may worsen in the year 2007, as hackers throughout the globe wouldn't stop their attempts towards creating more elusive malware, divulges AhnLab - a security company

First incidence of rootkit occurred in 2005 in Korea, and it didn't take more than a year's time for this malevolent code to become a pervasive threat, Kang Eun-sung, senior researcher with AhnLab said in a statement published in Korea Times on 16 January 2007.

Industry experts suggest that that damages inflicted by Rootkit could be worse than were actually reported, because the code string isn't well known. The most terrible thing about this hacker ware is that users don't even get to know that some virus has infected their system, as the malicious code generally remains inert for a pretty long time. Considering that the malfunctioning of their system is prompted by the machine itself, they are left with no other option but to reformat their system. Also, there's no diagnosis that's available for Rootkit as of now.

Not only does the program work with other malevolent codes, but also compliant with new online business models like keyword searches. Therefore the ordinary users have just one solution at present and it's to take action when either of their toolbars or vaccine programs aren't functioning properly.

Users need to remain alert in this game of cat and mouse between online security firms and malware writers. They must install resilient vaccine programs to help pinpoint rootkit prior to killing it. And last but not the least, awareness about the malicious code can help unsuspecting victims save the cost imposed upon them due to the reformatting of their PCs, according to Kang.

Related article: Rootkits Can Be Detected And Eradicated

» SPAMfighter News - 1/20/2007