A set of tools used by an attacker after gaining root-level access to a host to conceal the root-level access to attacker's activities on the host and permit the attacker to maintain the host through covert means.
What is rootkit?
The term Rootkit refers to malware designed to hide its presence or maintain privileged access by modifying or manipulating operating-system behavior, system files, processes, or low-level components. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is rootkit used in cybersecurity?
In practice, Rootkit is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: malware designed to hide its presence or maintain privileged access by modifying or manipulating operating-system behavior, system files, processes, or low-level components. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does rootkit matter for election security?
Understanding Rootkit matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to malware designed to hide its presence or maintain privileged access by modifying or manipulating operating-system behavior, system files, processes, or low-level components.
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A set of tools used by an attacker after gaining root-level access to a host to conceal the root-level access to attacker's activities on the host and permit the attacker to maintain the host through covert means.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Rootkit. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/rootkit
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