What’s a Rootkit Hack and How Can You Stop It?

There are many types of online threats that the average business owner needs to understand and be prepared for. The problem here is that no two threats are alike, and they all perform different functions. One thing that all threats have in common is that they can disrupt your operations in terribly. To help you better prepare your organization for these threats, we’ll discuss a particularly dangerous malware: the rootkit hack.

What is a Rootkit Hack?
A rootkit is a type of malware that’s intended to remain covert for an extended period of time. In a way, it acts like a trojan, remaining hidden from traditional security tools. It’s designed to snatch administrator privileges and access systems rather than delete data or mess with operations. Basically, you’re using a computer, but everything you’re doing is being intercepted and controlled by someone else. 

How it Works
Once a rootkit has administrator control, hackers can use it for pretty much anything that’s allowed by the system administrator. This could include tasks like installing new software, deleting or moving files, changing programs, installing spyware, recording keystrokes, and so much more. The possibilities are almost limitless. Hackers could steal sensitive credentials, log communications, transfer data, and modify your programs to suit their demands. Though rootkits are usually software-based, there are hardware-based rootkits that work in largely the same way.

Preventing Rootkit Infections
Just like most online threats, a rootkit will make its way into your system by way of an infected download, phishing scam, or other similar technology. This is why it’s so important to be mindful of what you’re downloading, and from where. Keep security best practices in mind whenever you use the Internet. Doing so may save you from the misfortune of dealing with dangerous and risky threats. Additionally, you should be using an enterprise-level firewall and antivirus solution, backed up by web content filtering and spam blocking. Plus, making sure that all of your operating systems and critical software solutions are up to date and secure can go a long way.  Unfortunately, simply owning and installing good security solutions isn't enough. The world is full of companies that thought they were protected and got hacked anyway.  You need the right processes and procedures in place to know that your protection is working.  Many current security applications only stop known threats.  At Managed IT Force, we use a process to check for suspicious behavior and unusual activity.  We also have a thorough process to verify that your protection is actually working.  These processes and verification steps are critical to prevention.

What You Can Do After an Infection
As per usual, you can know that something’s wrong with your computer if it’s behaving abnormally. If you suspect that a rootkit has been installed on your workstation, you should immediately cut it off from Internet access to prevent remote control and data leakage. Even under the best circumstances, though, rootkit software intentionally hides itself from your system’s software, making it difficult to locate and eliminate. From here, it’s best to contact a professional who is skilled at removing nasty malware and viruses from computers.

If you’re having trouble identifying threats and protecting your business’s infrastructure from malicious online entities, you need to contact Managed IT Force. Our trusted IT professionals can help your team fully understand how hacks happen, and what you can do to stop them in the future. To learn more, give us a call at 724-473-3950.