Which type of malware is designed to hide itself from security software and utilities?

Rootkits are a type of malware specifically designed to conceal their presence and the presence of other malicious software from security software and utilities. They achieve this by modifying the operating system, allowing them to operate undetected while maintaining control over the infected system. This stealth capability often enables them to intercept and manipulate system calls to hide their activities and other payloads, making it difficult for traditional antivirus programs to detect them.

The characteristic of rootkits positioning themselves as fundamental components of the operating system means they can gain elevated privileges, and this allows them to perform malicious actions without alerting users or security measures. This is why rootkits pose a significant challenge for cybersecurity, as they can facilitate other types of attacks or allow a malicious actor to maintain continuous access to the system without being noticed.