How Do I Check my Computer for Rootkits?

Experts generally agree that it is difficult to guesstimate how many computers are compromised by malicious rootkits, but numbers appear to be climbing if the growing list of known rootkits is any indication. Infections are believed highest in the U.S., with as many as one computer out of every four infected, according to at least one estimate. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to detect a rootkit as one of its main functions is to remain hidden. Software packages called “anti-rootkits?are available to scan for rootkits, but prevention is strongly recommended. In some cases there can be telltale signs that a rootkit is present on a system. For example, a user might be doing word processing or simple Internet surfing when he or she notices the computer is processing data exceedingly slow. Upon checking the system it may become clear the computer processing unit (CPU) is low on resources. This could be because the CPU is doing background work for a rootkit. A poorly written rootkit might ...  more

Experts generally agree that it is difficult to guesstimate how many computers are compromised by malicious rootkits, but numbers appear to be climbing if the growing list of known rootkits is any indication. Infections are believed highest in the U.S., with as many as one computer out of every four infected, according to at least one estimate. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to detect a rootkit as one of its main functions is to remain hidden. Software packages called “anti-rootkits” are available to scan for rootkits, but prevention is strongly recommended. In some cases there can be telltale signs that a rootkit is present on a system. For example, a user might be doing word processing or simple Internet surfing when he or she notices the computer is processing data exceedingly slow. Upon checking the system it may become clear the computer processing unit (CPU) is low on resources. This could be because the CPU is doing background work for a rootkit. A poorly written rootkit might ...  more

Experts generally agree that it is difficult to guesstimate how many computers are compromised by malicious rootkits, but numbers appear to be climbing if the growing list of known rootkits is any indication. Infections are believed highest in the U.S., with as many as one computer out of every four infected, according to at least one estimate. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to detect a rootkit as one of its main functions is to remain hidden. Software packages called “anti-rootkits†are available to scan for rootkits, but prevention is strongly recommended. In some cases there can be telltale signs that a rootkit is present on a system. For example, a user might be doing word processing or simple Internet surfing when he or she notices the computer is processing data exceedingly slow. Upon checking the system it may become clear the computer processing unit (CPU) is low on resources. This could be because the CPU is doing background work for a rootkit. A poorly written rootkit ...  more

Experts generally agree that it is difficult to guesstimate how many computers are compromised by malicious rootkits, but numbers appear to be climbing if the growing list of known rootkits is any indication. Infections are believed highest in the U.S., with as many as one computer out of every four infected, according to at least one estimate. Unfortunately, it isnR easy to detect a rootkit as one of its main functions is to remain hidden. Software packages called Unti-rootkits?are available to scan for rootkits, but prevention is strongly recommended. In some cases there can be telltale signs that a rootkit is present on a system. For example, a user might be doing word processing or simple Internet surfing when he or she notices the computer is processing data exceedingly slow. Upon checking the system it may become clear the computer processing unit (CPU) is low on resources. This could be because the CPU is doing background work for a rootkit. A poorly written rootkit might also ...  more