English

Alternative forms

• root kit

Noun

rootkit ‎(plural rootkits)

1. (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

rootkit ‎(third-person singular simple present rootkits, present participle rootkitting, simple past and past participle rootkitted)

1. (transitive) 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