Search for rootkit malware with chkrootkit
Rootkit Sleuth

Linux can be infected by rootkit malware that is hidden and hard to detect. The chkrootkit program can help find rootkit infections.
The chkrootkit package examines key system files to determine whether they have been tampered with or infected by malware known as rootkits. An infected system can leak valuable data such as user credentials, can allow hackers to steal banking information, can provide remote control capability, and can disrupt security software. The fact that rootkits can remain on a system for long periods of time undetected makes them particularly dangerous.
Changing Attitudes on Linux Malware
Contrary to popular belief, Linux does suffer from malware infections and attacks. Rootkits are one type of malware designed to infect, gain elevated access, and remain hidden from detection for long periods of time. Rootkits are especially malicious, because they not only remain hidden but also can disable or disrupt security software making them hard to remove. Once infected, often the only recourse is to re-image (wipe and reinstall) the system.Symantec has identified five types of rootkits:
- Hardware/firmware – installed in the computer’s BIOS, firmware, or other hardware components
- Bootloader – the system’s bootloader is active before the operating system loads
- Memory – RAM-based rootkits only last while the computer is powered on and generally do not persist after a reboot unless the file is set to reload on boot
- Application – application rootkits alter standard programs that appear to work normally while infected
- Kernel mode – core operating system alterations access and control the computer’s lowest operational levels
[...]
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
There's a New Linux AI Assistant in Town
Newelle is a Linux AI assistant that can work with different LLMs and includes document parsing and profiles.
-
Linux Kernel 6.16 Released with Minor Fixes
The latest Linux kernel doesn't really include any big-ticket features, just a lot of lines of code.
-
EU Sovereign Tech Fund Gains Traction
OpenForum Europe recently released a report regarding a sovereign tech fund with backing from several significant entities.
-
FreeBSD Promises a Full Desktop Installer
FreeBSD has lacked an option to include a full desktop environment during installation.
-
Linux Hits an Important Milestone
If you pay attention to the news in the Linux-sphere, you've probably heard that the open source operating system recently crashed through a ceiling no one thought possible.
-
Plasma Bigscreen Returns
A developer discovered that the Plasma Bigscreen feature had been sitting untouched, so he decided to do something about it.
-
CachyOS Now Lets Users Choose Their Shell
Imagine getting the opportunity to select which shell you want during the installation of your favorite Linux distribution. That's now a thing.
-
Wayland 1.24 Released with Fixes and New Features
Wayland continues to move forward, while X11 slowly vanishes into the shadows, and the latest release includes plenty of improvements.
-
Bugs Found in sudo
Two critical flaws allow users to gain access to root privileges.
-
Fedora Continues 32-Bit Support
In a move that should come as a relief to some portions of the Linux community, Fedora will continue supporting 32-bit architecture.