rootkit
Hidden system infiltrator
A rootkit is malicious software designed to hide its presence on a computer system while maintaining privileged access.
The name combines "root" (administrator-level access in Unix systems) with "kit" (a set of tools).
Rootkits can conceal other malware, log keystrokes, or create backdoors for attackers.
They're notoriously difficult to detect because they modify the operating system itself: The security scan missed the rootkit entirely.
Hidden bypass mechanism
Openness to harm
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- backdoorHidden bypass mechanism
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
Act of hiding something
- cloakingAct of hiding something
- hidingStaying out of sight
- hookingCatching with curved end
- maskingConcealing by covering
evasion · persistence · invisibility · camouflage · covert · undetectable
Isolating untrusted code
- firewallNetwork access control system
- patchMaterial covering damage
- hardeningBecoming less soft
- whitelistingExplicit permission roster
Malware detection program
- forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis
- heuristicsPractical problem-solving shortcuts
- tripwireConcealed activation cord
- volatilityRapid, unpredictable changeability
backdoor
Hidden bypass mechanism
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
- spywareHidden surveillance program
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
virus · botnet · ransomware · adware · payload · dropper · RAT
vulnerability
Openness to harm
concealment
Act of hiding something
masking · evasion · persistence · invisibility · camouflage · covert · undetectable
sandboxing
Isolating untrusted code
antivirus
Malware detection program
- forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis
- heuristicsPractical problem-solving shortcuts
- tripwireConcealed activation cord
- cybersecurityantivirus, malware, firewall, firewalls, encryption
- antivirusantivirus, virus, virus scan, malware, virus scanner
- cyber threatsmalware, phishing, hacking, virus, ransomware
- cyberattacksmalware, phishing, ransomware, hack, virus
- cybercrimeshacking, phishing, malware, ransomware, data breach
- security threatshacker, cyberattack, malware, cyber attack, hacking
rootkitantivirus software
Malware detection program
antivirus · security software · antimalware · malware scanner · security suite