Rootkit

A rootkit is a type of malicious software (malware) designed to gain and maintain unauthorized access to a computer system while hiding its presence. The term "rootkit" combines "root," which refers to the administrative access level in Unix and Linux systems, and "kit," which refers to the collection of tools used to carry out the attacks. Rootkits can compromise a system by enabling an attacker to execute files, access or modify data, and manipulate system settings without being detected.