Those definitions are then used to scan and identify potentially dangerous files that have been discovered by the rootkit scanner. The program offers to download the latest antivirus definitions from Avast servers on first start.

There are other tools that can be used for the purpose, like the previously reviewed Codewalker, AVG Anti-Rootkit Free or the incredibly useful TDSSKiller by Kaspersky.Īvast aswMBR is a portable program for Windows. The two free rootkit scanners Avast aswMBR and Sophos Anti-Rootkit can be used to scan a PC system for rootkits. I would add using a bootable malware tool or connecting the hard drive to a different computer with known good AV software. While one could argue that the figures are also explainable by the factors time and the fact that most rootkits target 32-bit systems, it is undeniable that rootkits pose a serious security risk. Reasons for this higher infection rate are systems that are running the now unsupported service pack 2 and better protection of the Windows 7 operating system, and there especially the 64-bit versions. That's the result of a study conducted by Avast that surveyed more than 600,000 Windows PCs. Windows XP systems are more prone to being infected with rootkits as Microsoft's latest operating system Windows 7.

Avast rootkit removal tool