User`s guide

The main role of rootkits is to hide processes, files, logins and logs. They may
also intercept data from terminals, network connections or peripherals, if
they incorporate the appropriate software.
Rootkits are not malicious in nature. For example, systems and even some
applications hide critical files using rootkits. However, they are mostly used
to hide malware or to conceal the presence of an intruder into the system.
When combined with malware, rootkits pose a great threat to the integrity
and the security of a system. They can monitor traffic, create backdoors into
the system, alter files and logs and avoid detection.
Spyware
Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet
connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes.
Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware
or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however,
it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications
do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity
on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone
else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even
passwords and credit card numbers.
Spyware's similarity to a Trojan horse is the fact that users unwittingly install
the product when they install something else. A common way to become a
victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products
that are available today.
Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from the user
by using the computer's memory resources and also by eating bandwidth as
it sends information back to the spyware's home base via the user's Internet
connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the
applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general
system instability.
Types of Malicious Software
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BitDefender Antivirus for Mac