Dedicated Server Reviews

What is a Rootkit?

Rootkits are programs designed to access your dedicated server systems to intrude on and compromise your server. These rootkits are often designed as Trojans so that you do not suspect but can open a backdoor to your dedicated server so that they can attach and upload suspicious programs and applications to degrade your performance or bring down your website.

What is Rootkit Detection?

Rootkit detection can be handled in two ways:

1. Via Managed Hosting from your dedicated web hosting provider.
2. Via rootkit detection programs, which are a way you can self-manage your web server.

How do rootkit detection programs work?

Rootkit detection software is designed to detect rootkits and distinguish them from normal hidden files that are not suspicious and concealed for a purpose either by you as a webmaster or by the operating system by default. Most often, rootkit detection programs compare various views of your server system to find mismatches. When there is a mismatch, it usually points to something suspicious and the rootkit check will alert you to suspicious software, programs, Trojans, spyware, or malware on your machine.

Originally, rootkit checks would perform a check on the entire dedicated server system to view all files while inside the OS and then boot the Recovery Console to see that file list for comparison. In the second list, the rootkit program will search for files that do not show up in the first list. These hidden files are often rootkit culprits!

Do they work?

As with all software programs, it depends. Rootkit management programs are not meant to be used as a standalone system for customers new to dedicated server hosting. If you fall into that category, you are still better off purchasing Managed Hosting from your dedicated service provider, as they are professionals who will know the difference between default hidden files and corrupted malware.

Also, take note that rootkit programs are sold or downloaded AS IS, so there is never any guarantee of their success.

The Application Vault for Plesk via your dedicated hosting account can be a useful tool to have at your fingertips.  Think of it like Fantastico is for cPanel, for those more familiar with that interface and control panel selection.

Application Vault allows you to easily auto-install selected third party scripts into your web site.  To access, login to Plesk, and then go to the Application Vault icon.  Click that and then click on the icon to "Add New Application".  That should be located under "Tools".  There is also a "Site Application" section on this screen which is where your installed apps will live after being added to your dedicated hosting plan.

Next you will be taken to a screen with all the site application packages that are available for you.  You can see version numbers, names, and descriptions for each.  Make sure you have set the target URL as the right URL you want to use, and then pick the radio box for the application you wish to install.  Once you have done that, go to the top of the screen and hit the "Install" link. 

Now you can create a button for the Plesk panel to use (sort of like a shortcut) and setup other options such as the destination directory or if you would like to install it to http:// or https://.  Plesk will automatically pre-populate certain fields with default entries.  Feel free to modify them.

The last thing you will do to get your application installed would be to hit the OK button.  You should be redirected back to the first page and configure or remove your application from there.