Examples of Rootkit Attacks
Phishing and social engineering attacks: Users who read spam emails and unintentionally download malicious software put their PCs at risk of becoming infected with rootkits. Rootkits also employ keyloggers to obtain user login information. A rootkit, once installed, can allow hackers to access sensitive user information and take control of computer operating systems.
Application rootkit attacks: Rootkits can install themselves on widely used programs, such as word processing and spreadsheet programs. Hackers employ application rootkits to acquire access to users’ information every time they open infected programs.
Network and Internet of Things (IoT) attacks: IoT devices and edge computing present significant security risks since they lack the security protections that other systems and centralized computers use. Hackers discover and attack these flaws by adding rootkits through vulnerable points of entry. This allows a rootkit to travel throughout a network, taking over PCs and workstations and turning them into zombie machines under external control.
OS attacks: After getting into a system, a kernel mode rootkit can launch an attack against the operating system. The assault may involve changing OS functionality, decreasing system performance, and potentially accessing and deleting data. Kernel mode rootkits often break down systems when a user accidentally opens a malicious email or runs a download from an untrusted source.
Credit card swipe and scan attacks: Criminals infected credit card swipers and scanners with rootkits. The rootkits are designed to collect credit card information and deliver it to servers controlled by hackers. To address this, credit card companies have implemented chip-embedded cards, which are more robust to attacks.
What is a Rootkit?
The term rootkit is derived from the words “root” and “kit.” The phrases “root,” “admin,” “superuser,” and “system admin” all refer to a user account with power of administration in an operating system. Meanwhile, “kit” refers to a collection of software tools. So, a rootkit is a collection of tools that grants someone the most powerful capabilities in a system. Let’s briefly discuss this.