sometimes be installed for

What is a Rootkit? A rootkit is a program that is designed to take control of a computer without the authorisation of the systems owner, typically rootkits are difficult to locate and can only often be discovered if you use specific software to search for them. Rootkits can also act like Trojans and as such can present similar risks should you have any on your machine. Rootkits can sometimes be installed for legitimate purposes, but they often represent a security risk as they can be exploited by virus writers or other malicious individuals for their own purposes. What can I do? It is quite important that you are running some form of Anti-Virus software at all times. This should prevent infection on your system providing that you keep the program updated with the latest virus definitions. Online Virus checkers Online virus checkers can be helpful for troubleshooting for any threats your main program may miss, these utilities shouldn