A rootkit is a type of malicious software designed to gain unauthorized access to a computer system while hiding its presence. To achieve this, rootkits typically modify the most fundamental parts of the operating system to ensure they can operate undetected and maintain persistent control.
D) Operating system kernel
Operating System Kernel: The kernel is the core component of an operating system, managing system resources and communication between hardware and software. By modifying the kernel, a rootkit can deeply integrate itself into the system, intercepting and altering system calls to hide its processes, files, and network activities. This makes detection extremely difficult, as the rootkit operates at the highest privilege level within the system.
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A) Application software: While rootkits can target specific applications, modifying application software alone doesn't provide the system-wide control and concealment that modifying the kernel does.
B) User account settings: Altering user accounts can help maintain access but doesn't provide the comprehensive concealment achieved by kernel modifications.
C) Hardware drivers: Although modifying drivers can offer certain stealth capabilities, it doesn't offer the same level of integration and control as modifying the kernel.
Rootkits primarily modify the operating system kernel to effectively conceal their presence and maintain unauthorized access.