What does the term 'rootkit' refer to in cybersecurity?

The term 'rootkit' refers to a type of malware specifically designed to enable continued privileged access to a computer or network. Rootkits operate by integrating themselves into a system's operating environment, allowing malicious actors to maintain control over a system while concealing their presence. They typically gain administrator or root-level access and can hide their existence as well as the existence of other malicious software, making it extremely difficult for users and security software to detect them.

Rootkits are particularly concerning because they can manipulate system processes, intercept system calls, modify application behavior, and often establish backdoor access for further exploitation without being easily noticed. This capability poses significant risks, as rootkits can persist even after initial infections are removed, making them a formidable challenge in cybersecurity.

The other options represent different concepts that do not align with the definition of a rootkit. Data recovery tools are focused on retrieving lost data, while network security encompasses measures to protect networks from unauthorized access. Data encryption is a method of securing data by transforming it into an unreadable format unless a decryption key is provided. Each of these options serves a distinct purpose within the realm of cybersecurity but does not match the specific functionality or nature of rootkits.