Sophos, a world leader in IT security, has announced a new, free-of-charge standalone tool offering comprehensive rootkit detection and removal capabilities. Sophos Anti-Rootkit complements Sophos Anti-Virus 6.0 and other vendors` anti-virus solutions by providing an additional layer of protection for the Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 operating systems.
The Sophos tool warns if removal of a particular rootkit will impact on the efficiency or integrity of the infected PC`s operating system. This feature lets network administrators make an informed decision on how they want to proceed.
A recent Web poll of 335 business users, conducted by Sophos, found that 55% of respondents worry that a rootkit might infect their computers. A surprising 37% admitted to not knowing what a rootkit was.
Rootkits are software frequently used by third parties - usually a hacker - to hide other software and processes using advanced stealth techniques. Malicious code, such as spyware and keyloggers, can be invisibly cloaked from detection by conventional security products or the operating system making them hard to detect. Hackers use rootkit technology to maintain access to a compromised computer without the user`s knowledge.
"Hackers are increasingly using rootkits to hide their criminal activities, including spyware designed to steal usernames and passwords, denial-of-service attacks and spam campaigns. While this research shows that many companies are concerned about the threat, it`s a genuine concern that many users don`t appear to know what a rootkit is, and may be oblivious to the threat," says Brett Myroff, CEO of master Sophos distributor, NetXactics.
"Windows users need to wise-up to the latest tricks being used by hackers, and ensure they have the tools in place to protect themselves," he adds.
Sophos Anti-Rootkit provides an easy-to-use graphical interface showing information on hidden system resources, including the name of any discovered rootkit and required action. Sophos`s rootkit protection has been designed to identify known and unknown rootkits, and is available to download for non-Sophos users, as well as existing customers.
Most reputable anti-virus software can stop known rootkits before they are installed, but if a rootkit is already active on a PC it can cloak itself from view, meaning many security applications will find it almost impossible to detect. Myroff says the Sophos Anti-Rootkit works at a low level to detect and eliminate known and unknown active rootkits, and complements Sophos Anti-Virus 6.0 to ensure that users` PCs are properly secured.
Sophos Anti-Rootkit can be downloaded from: http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/sophos-anti-rootkit.html
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NetXactics is a South African-based company, focused on the provision of security solutions. It is the master distributor for UK-based Sophos Plc, one of the leaders in the provision of anti-virus and anti-spam software for the corporate environment. For more information, visit NetXactics at www.netxactics.co.za.
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