Have you ever wondering why malware that you have removed is infecting your system again? You have an antivirus, anti-spyware and a firewall but your system is still infected by the malware that you have removed several days ago. Rootkit might be the cause of this malware infection. What is a rootkit?

Rootkit is malicious software that tries to hide its presence from antivirus, anti spyware and system management utility. It can also disable your firewall, antivirus and anti-spyware and this will enable it to install malware or spyware in your computer. That is why when you have removed the malware in your computer, it keeps coming back even though you have optimum pc protection.

Hackers can gain access to your system because the rootkit can disable the firewall and it will open a specific port so the hackers can access your system. Other than installing spyware and malware, rootkit can also installed keyloggers in your computer which is dangerous because the hackers can get your credit card number or social security number. This will lead to bigger problems.

However, even though rootkit is hard to remove, there are ways on how you can detect, remove and prevent it from infecting your system.

1. RootkitRevealer

Sysinternals RootkitRevealer is software that can reveal rootkit effects. It is a small software with only 225 KB. But, it can reveal files and registry modifications. However, not all the results produced by Rootkit Revealer are rootkits and the results need to be checked first. Participate in computer forums and ask in the forums nicely about the results.

2. Reboot

Rebooting your computer can help dealing with memory based rootkits as it does not survive reboot. Therefore, rebooting your computer might help you with this type of rootkit.

3. Schedule Your Antivirus To Scan Before The System Boots

Persistent rootkits are rootkits associated with malware and will run every time the system boots and it is hard to detect it when the system runs. Therefore, schedule a scan before the system boots. Some antiviruses have this feature and will enable you to scan your system before it boots and the antiviruses will be able to detect the rootkit. This is because the rootkit cannot hide it presence when the antivirus scans before the system boots.

4. Do Not Log In Using Administrator Account

Logging in as administrator to your operating system account will enable the rootkit to meddle with the operating system. Therefore, in order to prevent this from happening, try logging in using other account with lesser privileges such as guest account. Even though using other account may limit your activity, but it can prevent the hackers from using the functions in the operating system that usually carried by user with privileges.

Article from Azwan Asmat is the author of Chuang Computer Tips - http://chuangcomputer.blogspot.com - Want to know the secret of securing your PC from dangerous spyware, adware, and malware programs that can ruin your PC, your finances, and your sanity?!! Visit his blog for more info.