A "Rootkit" is usually defined as a piece of software intended to hide a resource from the user. "Resource" can be file(s), registry items or processes. Malware frequently hides their processes, registry entries and files to bypass detection by anti-virus products.

Avira Rootkit Detection (ARK) supports the detection of such hidden objects. If a hidden object is detected in the system the ARK shows it and offers supplementary options accessible by doing a right click on the object. Please note that in this beta version some of the actions performed on a hidden object are disabled.

System requirements
Windows 2000 Server or Workstation
Windows XP Home or Professional
Windows Server 2003, all Versions

Please also note that some commercial products deliberately hide their own resources. Thus not all applications which hide their tracks should be considered as being malware.