Understanding Hidden Threats: Rootkits and Botnets

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Understanding Hidden Threats: Rootkits and Botnets

Attackers are continually finding new ways to access computer systems. The
use of hidden methods such as rootkits and botnets has increased, and you
may be a victim without even realizing it.

What are rootkits and botnets?

A rootkit is a piece of software that can be installed and hidden on your
computer without your knowledge. It may be included in a larger software
package or installed by an attacker who has been able to take advantage of a
vulnerability on your computer or has convinced you to download it (see
Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information).
Rootkits are not necessarily malicious, but they may hide malicious
activities. Attackers may be able to access information, monitor your
actions, modify programs, or perform other functions on your computer
without being detected.

Botnet is a term derived from the idea of bot networks. In its most basic
form, a bot is simply an automated computer program, or robot. In the
context of botnets, bots refer to computers that are able to be controlled
by one, or many, outside sources. An attacker usually gains control by
infecting the computers with a virus or other malicious code that gives the
attacker access. Your computer may be part of a botnet even though it
appears to be operating normally. Botnets are often used to conduct a range
of activities, from distributing spam and viruses to conducting
denial-of-service attacks (see Understanding Denial-of-Service Attacks for
more information).

Why are they considered threats?

The main problem with both rootkits and botnets is that they are hidden.
Although botnets are not hidden the same way rootkits are, they may be
undetected unless you are specifically looking for certain activity. If a
rootkit has been installed, you may not be aware that your computer has been
compromised, and traditional anti-virus software may not be able to detect
the malicious programs. Attackers are also creating more sophisticated
programs that update themselves so that they are even harder to detect.

Attackers can use rootkits and botnets to access and modify personal
information, attack other computers, and commit other crimes, all while
remaining undetected. By using multiple computers, attackers increase the
range and impact of their crimes. Because each computer in a botnet can be
programmed to execute the same command, an attacker can have each of them
scanning multiple computers for vulnerabilities, monitoring online activity,
or collecting the information entered in online forms.

What can you do to protect yourself?

If you practice good security habits, you may reduce the risk that your
computer will be compromised:
* Use and maintain anti-virus software - Anti-virus software recognizes
and protects your computer against most known viruses, so you may be
able to detect and remove the virus before it can do any damage (see
Understanding Anti-Virus Software for more information). Because
attackers are continually writing new viruses, it is important to keep
your definitions up to date. Some anti-virus vendors also offer
anti-rootkit software.
* Install a firewall - Firewalls may be able to prevent some types of
infection by blocking malicious traffic before it can enter your
computer and limiting the traffic you send (see Understanding Firewalls
for more information). Some operating systems actually include a
firewall, but you need to make sure it is enabled.
* Use good passwords - Select passwords that will be difficult for
attackers to guess, and use different passwords for different programs
and devices (see Choosing and Protecting Passwords for more
information). Do not choose options that allow your computer to remember
your passwords.
* Keep software up to date - Install software patches so that attackers
can't take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities (see
Understanding Patches for more information). Many operating systems
offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you should enable
it.
* Follow good security practices - Take appropriate precautions when using
email and web browsers to reduce the risk that your actions will trigger
an infection (see other US-CERT security tips for more information).

Unfortunately, if there is a rootkit on your computer or an attacker is
using your computer in a botnet, you may not know it. Even if you do
discover that you are a victim, it is difficult for the average user to
effectively recover. The attacker may have modified files on your computer,
so simply removing the malicious files may not solve the problem, and you
may not be able to safely trust a prior version of a file. If you believe
that you are a victim, consider contacting a trained system administrator.

As an alternative, some vendors are developing products and tools that may
remove a rootkit from your computer. If the software cannot locate and
remove the infection, you may need to reinstall your operating system,
usually with a system restore disk that is often supplied with a new
computer. Note that reinstalling or restoring the operating system typically
erases all of your files and any additional software that you have installed
on your computer. Also, the infection may be located at such a deep level
that it cannot be removed by simply reinstalling or restoring the operating
system.