

They are complicated to create, and if a kernel rootkit is buggy, it will heavily impact the target computer’s performance. Cloud computing systems that place multiple virtual machines on a single physical system are also vulnerable.Ī kernel mode rootkit is a sophisticated piece of malware that can add new code to the operating system or delete and edit operating system code. The use of firmware rootkits has grown as technology has moved away from hard-coded BIOS software and toward BIOS software that can be updated remotely. They are especially stealthy because they can persist through reinstallation of the operating system. The main families are: Firmware RootkitsĪ firmware rootkit targets the software that runs particular hardware components by storing themselves on the software that runs during the boot process before the operating system starts up. Known rootkits can be classified into a few broad families, although there are many hybrids as well. Rootkits may remain in place for years because they are hard to detect, due in part to their ability to block some antivirus software and malware scanner software. Once activated, the malicious program sets up a backdoor exploit and may deliver additional malware, such as ransomware, bots, keyloggers or trojans. Rootkit malware is a collection of software designed to give malicious actors control of a computer network or application.
