rootkit

According to new research, three in every four computers with a particular nasty form of malware are running Windows XP. The report was compiled by Avast Software. The study looked at operating system rootkits in particular. Rootkits are by ... definition extremely stealthy software that cannot be detected by most forms of anti-virus or anti-malware protection, and thus are very difficult to remove. There are several ways in which a rootkit can operate stealthily. One way is to disguise malicious files by compromising the file management system, such as Windows Explorer. In this way, the ... (view more)

Malware (a portmanteau of "malicious software") is any software program developed for the purpose of causing harm to a computer system, similar to a virus or Trojan horse. Malware can be classified based on how it is executed, how it spreads, and/or ... what it does. The classification is not perfect, however, in the sense that the groups often overlap and the difference is not always obvious, giving rise to frequent flame wars. Overuse of the term 'Virus' Because viruses were historically the first to appear, the term "virus" is often applied, especially in the popular media, to all sorts of ... (view more)

Just how convenient is a USB memory stick? Very. Just how likely is it that your computer could be infected if you use one? Depends on the maker. Not so long ago, 2005 in fact, Sony faced a mountain of controversy when it reportedly used rootkit ... software to spy on users. That case involved the prevention of music piracy, with Sony halting the resale of its artists' discs by secretly installing copy protection programs on CDs sold to the public. Although there might be a few in the music industry capable of defending such a tactic, few will appreciate this news. According to researchers at a ... (view more)

Recently, Sony was fined $1.5 million in penalties and costs to reimburse Californians and Texans whose computers were affected by the illegally installed Digital Rights Management software [software aimed at antipiracy] on some of their music CDs. ... Consumers will be reimbursed up to $175.00 to offset the cost of repairs incurred when removing the software. Consumers without proof of the cost of repairs are still eligible for $25.00. To date, 40 states have settled the law suit with Sony. The total settlement amount is up to $5.75 million. For a list of the 40 states affected, refer to the ... (view more)

Rootkit Hook Analyzer RootKit Hook Analyzer is a security tool that checks if there are any rootkits installed on your computer which hook the kernel system services. Kernel RootKit Hooks are installed modules which intercept the principal system ... services that all programs and the operating system rely on. If any of these system services are intercepted and modified, it means that there is a possibility that the safety of your system is at risk and that Spyware, viruses or malware are running amuck. http://www.resplendence.com/downloads Thinking Like A Genius Even if you're not a genius, you ... (view more)