In the world of cybercrimes, the term malware can be fearsome for business owners. This is a type of software made specifically for infecting computers and gaining access to data without authorization. There are several software types, but the rootkit is the most dangerous.
Rootkits can be highly sneaky. They can infect your system, stay there, and give access to a cybercriminal without you knowing. That is why it is a must to increase your knowledge about such malware. For instance, you should know the detrimental effects of rootkits on your business.
Knowing about the different types of rootkits is also necessary if you want to prevent them. Keep reading the article, if you want to know more. It will shed light on everything you should know about rootkit malware.
Top 6 Things You Need to Know About Rootkits
It would not be wrong to say that underestimating the danger of rootkit attacks can be a blunder. From stealing your confidential data to facilitating the theft of credit card information, they can wreak havoc. Understanding why rootkits are so dangerous and how you can detect them is essential to minimizing the harm incurred by them. Let’s focus on the top six things you need to know about rootkits:
Rootkit is a Malware
The first thing you must know about rootkit is that it is a type of malware attack. The term “rootkit” is a combination of two English words. The first word, “root”, indicates the superuser, and the second word “kit” refers to a set of tools.
In simple words, you can consider a rootkit as a set of kits that offers unauthorized access to someone’s system. This definition bursts the myth that the rootkit is a virus. In reality, it is a malware. So, seeking help from a cybersecurity pundit is mandatory to prevent such attacks. Businesses opt for cybersecurity services in Dubai to achieve the milestone.
Rootkits Can Be More Dangerous
On diving deeper into the subject, you would come to know that rootkits can be more dangerous than other malware types. The reasons? First, as mentioned earlier, they are notoriously super-sneaky. You might never know rootkits have infiltrated your system and serving their sinister agenda.
Secondly, you can feasibly detect other types of malware because of the signs they show. However, identifying a rootkit attack can be a tough nut to crack because they seldom show any symptoms. Due to their multiple capabilities, some cybersecurity experts refer to them as the malware’s Swiss army knives.
Types of Rootkits
The rootkit malware exists in many forms and shapes. All these types serve different objectives. There are usually five most prevalent types of rootkits, as mentioned below:
- Kernel mode rootkits
- Memory rootkit
- Firmware rootkits
- Bootloader rootkits
- Application rootkit
A threat actor can use any of the above rootkits to launch an attack on your system. It is important to know that all the above kinds of rootkit malware are equally dangerous and can lead to detrimental consequences.
Damages Rootkit Can Cause
During the COVID era, the working model of most businesses changed drastically. Companies shifted from on-site work to remote operations. This has led to an increased risk of cyberattacks like rootkits. If such an incident occurs, it can result in significant financial and reputational damage.
They will be kept hidden, harming your firm’s image and monetary health. The damage done will be beyond repair by the time of their detection. Nothing, including your company’s sensitive data, system passwords, critical credentials, and other kinds of information will be safe from them. The malicious actor will gain access to them using rootkits.
Detection of the Malware
Rootkits work by camouflaging themselves within your network system. It is a highly unlikely scenario that your operating system will detect them. The way they are designed plays a critical role in hiding them from the eyes of the victims. That is why you need equally potent tools to identify them.
Although most of the time, rootkits do not give any sign, you can look for some mild symptoms. These include slower system performance, unfunctional web pages, and window setting changes. One of the most effective ways to point out a rootkit is to use rootkit scanners.
Preventing Rootkits
Prevention is a more ideal approach than waiting for the attack to happen and then addressing it. Fortunately, preventing rootkit malware attacks is possible. All you have to do is follow the given steps:
- Keep an eye on phishing scams
- Never download files from untrusted sources
- Use robust anti-malware tools
- Keep monitoring your systems for suspicious behaviors
- Leverage a strong cybersecurity solution
Small and medium-sized organizations usually do not have the resources and expertise to avert rootkit attacks. The best possible choice for them is to acquire help from a cybersecurity expert. You can refer to cybersecurity services in Dubai to keep your company protected from such detrimental incidents.
Protect Your Business from Rootkits Now
In the world of cybersecurity, rootkits are no joke. They are sneaky and potentially harmful to various companies. You might have to face substantial losses as a result of these cybercrimes. Contact a reputed cybersecurity company now to protect your business from rootkits.
