Rootkit

Pronunciation

Alternative forms

• root kit

Origin

root + kit

Full definition of rootkit

Noun

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

1. (transitive) To infect (a computer system) with a rootkit.
• 2000, Seth T. Ross, UNIX system security toolsGiven 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 reloadedIf not, your system might have been rootkitted.