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Rootkit vs Malware - What's the difference?

rootkit | malware |

In computing terms the difference between rootkit and malware

is that rootkit is a set of software tools used by a third party after gaining access to a computer system in order to conceal the altering of files, or processes being executed by the third party without the user's knowledge while malware is software which has been designed to operate in a malicious, undesirable manner.

As a verb rootkit

is to infect (a computer system) with a rootkit.

rootkit

English

Alternative forms

* root kit

Noun

(en noun)
  • (computing) A set of software tools used by a third party after gaining access to a computer system in order to conceal the altering of files, or processes being executed by the third party without the user's knowledge.
  • Verb

    (rootkitt)
  • To infect (a computer system) with a rootkit.
  • * 2000 , Seth T. Ross, UNIX system security tools
  • Given crackers' propensity for "rootkitting" systems — installing altered system binaries to facilitate future access — systematic integrity checks using message digest algorithms or one-way hash functions can be an important detection safeguard.
  • * 2006 , Ed Skoudis, Tom Liston, Counter hack reloaded
  • If not, your system might have been rootkitted .

    See also

    * backdoor * trojan * virus * worm

    malware

    Noun

    (-)
  • (computing) Software which has been designed to operate in a malicious, undesirable manner.
  • See also

    * adware * backdoor * dialer, dialler * exploit * key logger * spyware * rootkit * trojan * URL injection * virus * worm * wabbit * -ware ----