How to know if you have a rootkit and remove it without formatting

Few digital threats are as dangerous as rootkit malware. While these viruses are commonly used to infiltrate corporate networks, home users are also at risk.How to know if you have this malwareIs it possible? delete it without formatting The team? We'll tell you all about it in this post.

What is a rootkit or root kit

 

Among the types of computer viruses that exist, Rootkits are one of the most dangerous and difficult to detect. These are malicious programs that hide deep within a computer's operating system with the goal of granting unauthorized access. Their function is to open a secret backdoor for the attacker to enter and take control of virtually the entire computer.

The term "rootkit" means 'root kit', and refers to the the most privileged type of access a user can have within a system. Someone with access to root user It can modify or change settings and files at a deep level. Rootkit malware grants this type of access to cybercriminals, allowing them to introduce various malicious tools into the system.

For example, with one of these viruses it is possible run other malicious programs to steal financial information or passwords. It also allows you to install keylogger, software that tracks keystrokes and facilitate the theft of personal data. And if that weren't enough, root kits are also capable of disabling any security tool on the system, making them nearly impossible to find and remove.

How does this malware get onto a computer?

Judging by its characteristics and behavior, it's easy to understand why having a rootkit on your computer is so dangerous. Now, how can a computer become infected with such harmful malware? There are several ways: perhaps the user runs malicious software believing it to be legitimate. In addition, these viruses can exploiting a system's vulnerabilities to infiltrate without having direct interaction with the user.

• These viruses can be hidden in seemingly legitimate programs or files that are download from untrusted websites. When you open the file or install the program, the malware infiltrates your system.
• An attacker can exploit security flaws in the outdated operating systems or programs to install a rootkit without the user noticing.
• Through phishing emails, hidden inside attachments that, when opened, release the virus into the system.
• Some attackers knowingly leave infected USB drives in public places, waiting for a victim to pick it up and connect it to their computer.
• An vulnerable network can be attacked by some types of rootkits that infiltrate the system without the user having to do anything.
• The most advanced root kits can infect the MBR or the UEFI, ensuring that they run every time the computer is turned on, making them even more difficult to detect.

How easy it can be to get infected! The key to avoiding it is prevention: Keep your system updated, use reliable security tools, and don't download or install programs or files from unofficial sources. What if your computer is already infected? How can you tell? Is it possible to remove a rootkit without losing system files?

Symptoms that you have a rootkit on your computer

It's true that rootkits are difficult to detect, but that doesn't mean they're completely asymptomatic. There are signs that could indicate the presence of a root kit on your computer.If you notice several of the following symptoms, you may start to worry.

• blue screenshots in Windows and frequent restart requests.
• Poor system performance: It is slower than normal, freezes or crashes, does not respond to commands from the keyboard or mouse.
• Unauthorized changes to the system, such as adjustments to settings, date and time, taskbar, or wallpaper.
• Files that appear or disappear without any authorization.
• High network activity: Unknown network connections, high internet usage.
• Strange browser behavior: Pages that open by themselves, links that redirect to strange sites, bookmarks you don't remember adding, etc.

How to remove a rootkit. Is it possible to do it without formatting?

If you suspect the presence of a rootkit on your computer, no need to format immediately. It's true that this is the most effective solution, but you can first try removing it without erasing the system. However, you'll need specialized software capable of detecting and eliminating these types of threats.

Fortunately, Most antivirus programs include a rootkit scanning and removal tool., which is more or less effective depending on the type of malware in question. Here are some options you can try:

• La AVG Rootkit Scanning Tool It's free and effective at locating and destroying shallow root canals. For deeper protection, you need to upgrade to the premium version to enjoy the special Boot Scan feature.
• Malwarebytes It also offers complete rootkit protection in its standard plan for a $44.99 subscription.
• La Kaspersky Free Virus Removal Tool can detect and remove the TDSS rootkit. For a more comprehensive solution, you also need to subscribe to the premium version.

To increase your chances of success, run these tools in Safe Mode. In this mode, the system loads only essential services, which can prevent malware from running and make it easier to remove. If you need help doing this, see the entries. How to boot Windows 11 into safe mode y How to boot into safe mode in Windows 10.

Use a rescue USB

One last suggestion is to use a rescue USB, i.e. a scanning and cleaning tool that boots from a USB drive. This way, you can clean the operating system without the root kit interfering with the process. An effective and easy-to-implement solution is Kaspersky Rescue DiskRemember: there are no guarantees, but it's worth trying before you decide to format your computer.

If the problem persists, there will be no other alternative than reinstall the operating system from scratch. In fact, there are serious cases of infection where even formatting doesn't solve the problem. In these extreme cases, it's best to replace the equipment with a new one in order to avoid security risks.