Rootkits and malware are often seen as the same thing, but not all rootkits are malicious. Rootkits can be used for beneficial purposes such as security and speeding up functions. Some rootkits can also protect computer systems from theft. Malware is used to gain access to a remote computer and steal private information or destroy files. When combined, rootkits and malware can be very dangerous.
In the computing world, the terms “rootkit” and “malware” have become synonymous for many people. However, putting a generic label on all rootkits as malware would be a mistake. While it is true that rootkits and malware software travel in many of the same environments and many rootkits are malware, some rootkits are also used for beneficial purposes which can be the main difference between them.
Rootkits and malware differ in that rootkits are able to access the root of a computer system without making themselves visible via a user interface. They can be used by security software to prevent attacks by malicious users and detect attacks in progress. Rootkits can also be used to speed up functions on a computer by allowing programs to run in the background without user interaction.
In some cases, rootkits can also be used to protect computer systems from theft. When this particular type of rootkit is installed, your computer periodically checks a home server and broadcasts information about its current location. If a computer is ever stolen and then connected to the Internet, the rootkit will essentially phone home with the machine’s location, and the stolen system can be recovered or locked down to prevent the thief from gaining access.
Some rootkits are also installed by the actual computer user for their own benefit. Game cheats and emulation software are common examples of this type of rootkit software. By using this type of rootkit software, the user is able to enhance their online gaming experience or emulate other types of system and bypass copyright protections.
Malware is used by malicious individuals to subvert operating system security settings and gain access to a remote computer. After these people access a remote system, it is possible for them to access private files containing information such as credit cards, banking information or passwords. Malware can also be used to destroy system files, erase data, or turn a remote computer into a “zombie,” a machine that is then used to infect other computer systems or take part in denial-of-service attacks.
When rootkits and malware software are combined as a package, the malware is capable of hiding deep in the root of the computer system. These programs are able to gain root-level access and run programs within privileged computer access settings to have full access to the system. With this level of access, the rootkit and malware are able to steal important data and send it to a remote user. This makes combinations of rootkits and malware one of the most dangerous forms of malware on the internet.
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