A method, system, and computer program product for detecting a kernel-mode rootkit that hooks the System Service Dispatch Table (SSDT) is secure, avoids false positives, and does not disable security applications. A method for detecting a rootkit comprises the steps of calling a function that accesses a system service directly, receiving results from calling the function that accesses the system service directly, calling a function that accesses the system service indirectly, receiving results from calling the function that accesses the system service indirectly, and comparing the received results from calling the function that accesses the system service directly and the received results from calling the function that accesses the system service indirectly to determine presence of a rootkit.