What is the primary function of a rootkit?

The primary function of a rootkit is to hide malware. Rootkits are sophisticated software tools designed to gain unauthorized access to a computer system while hiding their presence from users and security software. Once installed on a system, a rootkit can allow malicious actors to maintain control over the system, often by concealing the malicious software that may be executing harmful operations such as stealing data or facilitating remote access.

The stealthy nature of rootkits makes them particularly dangerous, as they can evade detection by traditional antivirus and security solutions, allowing other types of malware to operate under the radar. This ability to obscure the presence of malware is a key reason why rootkits are utilized by attackers as part of their exploitation strategies. Their primary goal is maintaining persistence and control over compromised systems while remaining undetected.

In contrast, the other options presented do not align with the main purposes of a rootkit. Enhancing system performance is generally not an objective of rootkits; rather, their presence typically degrades system performance. Providing user access control does not speak to the malicious intent commonly associated with rootkits, as they often override legitimate access control mechanisms. Lastly, while encrypting sensitive data is a critical function for security, it is not a primary function of rootkits, which are