A computer virus can be called a program that stealthily works and harms the entire system or any part of it. Every second programmer faced this problem. Not a single PC user is left who does not know what computer viruses are.
Types of computer viruses:
- Worms These are programs that clutter up the system by constantly multiplying, copying themselves. The more they are in the system, the slower it works. The worm cannot merge with any safe program. It exists as a standalone file (s).
- Trojan programs merge with the harmless and disguise themselves in them. They do no harm to the computer until the user launches the file in which the trojan is located. These viruses are used to delete and modify data.
- Spyware collects information. Their goal is to discover codes, passwords and transfer to the person who created them and launched them on the Internet, in other words, to the owner.
- Zombie viruses provide an opportunity for a hacker to control an infected computer. The user may not know at all that his PC is infected and someone is using it.
- Blocking programs do not allow you to enter the system at all.
What is a rootkit?
A rootkit is one or more programs that hide the presence of unwanted applications on your computer, helping cybercriminals act stealthily. It contains absolutely the entire set of malware features. Since this application is often located deep in the bowels of the system, it is extremely difficult to detect it using antivirus or other security tools. A rootkit is a set of software tools that can read saved passwords, scan various data, and disable PC protection. In addition, there is a backdoor function, which means that the program provides the hacker with the ability to connect to the computer from a distance.
In other words, a rootkit is an application that is responsible for intercepting system functions. The following rootkits can be distinguished for the Windows operating system: TDSS, Necurs, Phanta, Alureon, Stoned, ZeroAccess.
Varieties
There are several variations of these virus programs. They can be divided into two categories: user-mode (user) and kernel-mode (rootkits of the kernel level). Utilities of the first category have the same capabilities as regular applications that can be run on the device. They can use the memory of already running programs. This is the most popular option. Rootkits of the second category are deep in the system and have full access to the computer. If such a program is installed, then the hacker can do almost anything he wants with the attacked device. Rootkits of this level are much more difficult to create, so the first category is more popular. But a kernel-level virus program is not easy to find and remove, and protection against computer viruses is often absolutely powerless here.
There are other, rarer rootkit options. These programs are called bootkits. The essence of their work is that they gain control over the device long before the system starts. More recently, rootkits have been created that attack Android smartphones. Hacker technologies are evolving in the same way as leasing software - keep up with the times.
Homemade rootkits
A huge number of infected computers are located in the so-called zombie network and are used to send spam messages. At the same time, users of these PCs do not suspect anything of this "activity." Until today, it was customary to think that only professional programmers can create the mentioned networks. But very soon, everything can radically change. On the net, you can actually find more and more tools for creating virus programs. For example, using a kit called Pinch, you can easily create a rootkit. The basis for this malware will be the Pinch Builder Trojan, which can be supplemented with various functions. This application can easily read passwords in browsers, recognize input data and send it to scammers, as well as cleverly hide their functions.
Ways to infect a device
Initially, rootkits are introduced into the system in the same way as other virus programs. If the plug-in or browser is vulnerable, getting to the computer for the application will not be difficult. Often for these purposes use flash drives. Sometimes hackers simply throw flash drives in crowded places where a person can take an infected device with him. So the rootkit gets on the victim’s computer. This leads to the fact that the application takes advantage of the weaknesses of the system and easily obtains a dominant position in it. The program then installs the auxiliary components that are used to control the computer from a distance.
Phishing
Often, the system becomes infected through phishing. There is a great possibility of getting the code to the computer during the downloading of unlicensed games and programs. Very often it is disguised as a file called Readme. You should never forget about the dangers of software and games downloaded from unverified sites. Most often, the user launches the rootkit on his own, after which the program immediately hides all the signs of his activity, and then it is very difficult to detect it.
Why is rootkit hard to detect?
This program intercepts data from various applications. Sometimes an antivirus detects these actions immediately. But often, when the device is already infected, the virus easily hides all information about the state of the computer, while traces of activity have already disappeared, and information about all harmful software has been deleted. Obviously, in such a situation, the antivirus cannot find any signs of a rootkit and try to eliminate it. But, as practice shows, antivirus programs can deter such attacks. And companies that manufacture security software regularly update their products and add the necessary information about new vulnerabilities to it.
Search for rootkits on a computer
You can use various utilities specifically designed for this purpose to search for these malicious programs . Kaspersky Anti-Virus does a good job of this. You just need to check the device for any kind of vulnerabilities and malware. Such a check is very important to protect the system from viruses, including rootkits. Scanning reveals malicious code that could not detect protection against unwanted programs. In addition, the search helps find vulnerabilities in the operating system through which attackers can spread malicious programs and objects. Are you looking for suitable protection? Kaspersky is fine for you. You can detect a rootkit by simply turning on the periodic scan of these viruses on your system.
For a more detailed search for such applications, you must configure the antivirus to check the operation of the most important system files at the lowest level. It is also very important to guarantee a high level of antivirus self-defense, since a rootkit can easily disable it.
Drive Verification
In order to be sure of the security of your computer, you must check all portable drives when you turn them on. Rootkits can easily penetrate your operating system through removable drives, flash drives. Kaspersky Anti-Virus monitors absolutely all removable information media when they are connected to the device. To do this, you just need to configure the drive scan and be sure to monitor the update of your antivirus.
Rootkit removal
There are many challenges to dealing with these malicious applications. The main problem is that they quite successfully resist detection by hiding the registry keys and all of their files in such a way that antivirus programs cannot find them. There are support programs for removing rootkits. These utilities were created to search for malware using various methods, including highly specialized ones. You can download a fairly effective program Gmer. It will help destroy most of the known rootkits. You can still recommend the program AVZ. It successfully detects almost any rootkit. How to remove dangerous software using this program? This is not difficult: we set the necessary settings (the utility can either send infected files to quarantine or delete them independently), then we select the type of scan - full PC monitoring or partial. Then run the test itself and wait for the results.
The special TDSSkiller program effectively fights with the TDSS application. AVG Anti-Rootkit will help remove the remaining rootkits. It is very important after the work of such assistants to check the system for infection using any antivirus. Kaspersky Internet Security will perfectly cope with this task. Moreover, this program is able to remove simpler rootkits through a cure function.
Keep in mind that when scanning for viruses with any security software, you should not open any applications or files on your computer. Then the check will be more effective. Naturally, you must remember to regularly update your antivirus software. The ideal option is a daily automatic (installed in the settings) update of the program, which occurs when connected to the network.