Bootkit

A bootkit is a type of malware designed to gain low-level control over a computer without the owner’s knowledge. Bootkits are usually undetectable during system startup or after a system reboot because they are designed to target the system’s boot record. Bootkits can bypass security measures, such as anti-virus programs, and modify or replace the legitimate operating system with a malicious version.

A bootkit consists of malicious code that can be injected into a system’s firmware, boot sector, or master boot record (MBR). A bootkit can be designed to modify or overwrite the MBR and prevent the system from loading the legitimate operating system. This can give the attacker access to the system without requiring user authentication.

Bootkits are typically used to perform malicious activities such as stealing data, installing rootkits, launching distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and setting up backdoors on the victim’s computer. In some cases, they can also be used to modify the system configuration so that it appears as though the system is running a different version of the operating system than it actually is.

Bootkits are difficult to detect because they operate shortly after the system boots, before the operating system is fully loaded, and, as such, can evade most security measures. They can also create rootkit infections, allowing malicious code to be hidden and executed at boot time without detection.

In order to protect against bootkits, it is important to use the latest system updates and security patches, securely configure systems, and use an anti-virus program to detect and remove any malicious code. Computer users should also consider using secure boot features, which can help protect against bootkits by preventing unauthorized software from being loaded during the boot process.