Remote-access Guide

rat remote access trojan

by Fredrick Kemmer Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to remove remote access trojans (rat)?

While formatting a computer or server is a drastic move and can be inconvenient, especially if the malware has spread to multiple devices, it’s a surefire way to eliminate Remote Access Trojans. The best option, especially for larger organizations, is to employ an intrusion detection system, which can be host-based or network-based.

What is rat Trojan and how does it work?

It infects the target computer through specially configured communication protocols and enables the attacker to gain unauthorized remote access to the victim. RAT trojan is typically installed on a computer without its owner’s knowledge and often as a trojan horse or payload.

What are some examples of remote access trojan?

Remote Access Trojan Examples 1 Back Orifice. Back Orifice (BO) rootkit is one of the best-known examples of a RAT. ... 2 Sakula. Sakula, also known as Sakurel and VIPER, is another remote access trojan that first surfaced in November 2012. 3 Sub7. Sub7, also known as SubSeven or Sub7Server, is a RAT botnet. ... 4 PoisonIvy. ... 5 DarkComet. ...

What are rats and how do they affect your computer?

When a RAT reaches your computer, it allows the hacker to easily access your local files, secure login authorization, and other sensitive information, or use that connection to download viruses you could unintentionally pass on to others.

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What can a remote access Trojan do?

Remote access trojans (RATs) are malware designed to allow an attacker to remotely control an infected computer. Once the RAT is running on a compromised system, the attacker can send commands to it and receive data back in response.

Are remote access Trojans illegal?

Law enforcement officials say that simply possessing a remote-access tool isn't illegal. In fact, remote-access tools are often used for IT support purposes in corporate environments.

What is the best remote access Trojan?

10 Best Remote Access Software (Remote Control Software) In 2022Comparison of Top Remote Access Tools.#1) NinjaOne (Formerly NinjaRMM)#2) SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support.#3) Atera.#4) Supremo.#5) ManageEngine Remote Access Plus.#6) RemotePC.#7) TeamViewer.More items...•

How is RAT malware installed?

Generally, RAT malware infection uses social engineering. Hackers use deception to get a user to click where they shouldn't and download malware onto their computer. Generally hackers can attach a RAT to an email as an attachment or link or in a mobile app, but they can use many other tricks to spread their malware.

What can RAT access?

RAT (remote access Trojan)Monitoring user behavior through keyloggers or other spyware.Accessing confidential information, such as credit card and social security numbers.Activating a system's webcam and recording video.Taking screenshots.Distributing viruses and other malware.Formatting drives.More items...

Can Windows Defender detect Trojans?

Although, Windows Defender is not capable of handling all kinds of viruses, malware, trojan, and other security threats. You can trust it for basic Firewall protection, but not beyond based on the antimalware capabilities it offers.

Can Norton detect RATs?

Antivirus software like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Webroot, or Norton, can detect RATs and other types of malware if they infect your devices.

Which connection is most commonly used in RATs?

RAT infections are typically carried out via spear phishing and social engineering attacks. Most are hidden inside heavily packed binaries that are dropped in the later stages of the malware's payload execution.

What can NanoCore do?

NanoCore can provide the threat actor with information such as computer name and OS of the affected system. It also opens a backdoor that allows the threat actors to access the webcam and microphone, view the desktop, create internet message windows and offers other options.

How do I remove remote malware?

1:283:06How to remove a computer virus remotely - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can launch the anti-malware. Program first let's accept all the licensing terms and clickMoreYou can launch the anti-malware. Program first let's accept all the licensing terms and click continue. And then start scanning.

How do I get rid of RATs?

With that in mind, here are our top tips to get rid of rats around your living space:Keep Your Garden Clean. ... Call In The Birds. ... Use Dry Ice. ... Set Traps. ... Use Baits & Poisons Outside. ... Contact A Professional Pest Management Company.

How can I find a hidden virus on my computer?

You can also head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security on Windows 10, or Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security on Windows 11. To perform an anti-malware scan, click “Virus & threat protection.” Click “Quick Scan” to scan your system for malware.

Is remote administration tools illegal?

If you want to be certain about the legality of something, consult a lawyer. That said, a "remote administration tool" as in a tool to permit system administrators to remotely manage computers under their control is legal in every jurisdiction I'm aware of.

Is it illegal to sell malware?

One provision, 18 U.S.C. §1030(a)(5)(A), criminalizes hacking and the use of malicious software (“malware”) by making it a crime to transmit code (i.e., malware) with “intent to cause damage.” Today, § 1030(a)(5)(A) fails to adequately police the black market for malware.

Can an Iphone get a remote access Trojan?

The iOS Trojan is smart and spies discretely, i.e. does not drain a battery. The RCS mobile Trojans are capable of performing all kinds of spying you can expect from such a tool, including location reporting, taking photos, spying on SMS, WhatsApp and other messengers, stealing contacts and so on.

What is a backdoor Trojan?

Backdoor malware is generally classified as a Trojan. A Trojan is a malicious computer program pretending to be something it's not for the purposes of delivering malware, stealing data, or opening up a backdoor on your system.

Can a Remote Access Trojan be installed to BIOS?

Access to the BIOS has been known to the world’s hackers since 2015. Many believe that the NSA was planting RATs and trackers on BIOS even earlier.

How is a Remote Access Trojan RAT different from a regular Trojan horse?

A Trojan is a virus that gets onto a victim computer by passing itself off as a legitimate piece of software. A RAT is a Trojan that the hacker can...

What is the Sakula Remote Access Trojan RAT?

Sakula is a RAT that is used to intrude on IT systems serving government departments and agencies, healthcare facilities, and other large organizat...

What is remote access trojan?

Remote Access Trojans are programs that provide the capability to allow covert surveillance or the ability to gain unauthorized access to a victim PC. Remote Access Trojans often mimic similar behaviors of keylogger applications by allowing the automated collection of keystrokes, usernames, passwords, screenshots, browser history, emails, chat lots, etc. Remote Access Trojans differ from keyloggers in that they provide the capability for an attacker to gain unauthorized remote access to the victim machine via specially configured communication protocols which are set up upon initial infection of the victim computer. This backdoor into the victim machine can allow an attacker unfettered access, including the ability to monitor user behavior, change computer settings, browse and copy files, utilize the bandwidth (Internet connection) for possible criminal activity, access connected systems, and more.

How can remote access Trojans be installed?

Specially crafted email attachments, web-links, download packages, or .torrent files could be used as a mechanism for installation of the software. Targeted attacks by a motivated attacker may deceive desired targets into installing such software via social engineering tactics, or even via temporary physical access of the desired computer.

What is botnet in computer?

Botnets are networks of computers infected by a botnet agent that are under hidden control of a third party. They are used to execute various commands ordered by the attacker. Most common uses of botnets are criminal operations that require distributed resources, such as DDoS attacks on selected targets, spam campaigns, and performing click fraud. Often, the botnet agent is ordered to download and install additional payloads or to steal data from the local computer.

How do botnets communicate?

From the moment of infection, botnet agents keep in touch with their remote Command-and-Control server (C&C). The communication can be carried by various means, and cybercriminals keep on inventing in new methods to hide their data transmission channels. There have been some unusual ways via social media like Twitter or reddit to send commands. However, the most common implementation of the C&C is a web-application, contacted by the client via simple HTTP requests.

What is a rogue scanner?

Rogue scanners, also known as fake scanners, fake AV, or rogueware, are pieces of code injected into legitimate sites or housed in fake sites. Their social engineering tactic normally involve displaying fictitious security scan results, threat notices, and other deceptive tactics in an effort to manipulate users into purchasing fake security software or licenses in order to remove potential threats that have supposedly infected their systems. Their warnings were deliberately crafted to closely resemble interfaces of legitimate AV or anti-malware software, further increasing the likelihood that users who see them will fall for the ploy. These malware can target and affect PCs and Mac systems alike. In 2011, known names in the security industry have noted the dramatic decline of rogue scanners, both in detection of new variants and search engine results for their solutions.

What are the different types of POS malware?

POS malware may come in three types: keyloggers, memory dumpers, and network sniffers.

What is POS malware?

Point-of-sale (POS) malware is software specifically created to steal customer data, particularly from electronic payment cards like debit and credit cards and from POS machines in retail stores. It does this by scraping the temporarily unencrypted card data from the POS’s memory (RAM), writing it to a text file, and then either sending it to an off-site server at a later date or retrieving it remotely. It is believed that criminals behind the proliferation of this type of malware are mainly after data they can sell, not for their own personal use. Although deemed as less sophisticated than your average PC banking Trojan, POS malware can still greatly affect not just card users but also merchants that unknowingly use affected terminals, as they may find themselves caught in a legal mess that could damage their reputation.

What can a hacker do with a RAT?

A hacker with a RAT can command power stations, telephone networks, nuclear facilities, or gas pipelines. RATs not only represent a corporate network security risk, but they can also enable belligerent nations to cripple an enemy country.

How to get rid of a RAT?

Sometimes, the only solution to rid your computer of a RAT is to wipe out all of your software and reinstall the operating system. RAT prevention systems are rare because the RAT software can only be identified once it is operating on your system.

What is intrusion detection?

Intrusion detection systems are important tools for blocking software intrusion that can evade detection by antivirus software and firewall utilities. The SolarWinds Security Event Manager is a Host-based Intrusion Detection System. However, there is a section of the tool that works as a Network-based Intrusion Detection System. This is the Snort Log Analyzer. You can read more about Snort below, however, you should know here that it is a widely used packet sniffer. By employing Snort as a data collector to feed into the Snort Log Analyzer, you get both real-time and historic data analysis out of the Security Event Manager.

How does a RAT toolkit work?

Other elements propagate the RAT by sending out links to infected web pages. These are sent to the social media contacts of an infected user.

What is SIEM in security?

This dual capability gives you a full Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) service. This means that you can watch Snort-captured events live and also examine cross-packet intrusion signatures identified through log file records.

How does Beast RAT work?

The Beast RAT attacks Windows systems from Windows 95 up to Windows 10. This uses the same client-server architecture that Back Orifice pioneered with the server part of the system being the malware that gets installed surreptitiously on the target computer. Once the server element is operational, the hacker can access the victim computer at will through the client program. The client connects to the target computer at port number 6666. The server is also able to open connections back to the client and that uses port number 9999. Beast was written in 2002 and is still widely in use.

Why do companies use RATs?

RATs can also be used to reroute traffic through your company network to mask illegal activities. Some hacker groups, predominantly in China, have even created a hacker network that runs through the corporate networks of the world and they rent out access to this cybercrime highway to other hackers.

What are the consequences of installing remote access Trojans?

If attackers succeed in installing Remote Access Trojans say in power stations, traffic control systems, or telephone networks, they can gain powerful control over them and even take down communities, cities, and nations. In this regard, we remember the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia, when Russia used a coordinated campaign of physical and cyber warfare to seize territory from the neighboring Republic of Georgia.

Why is a RAT dangerous?

Nevertheless, what really makes a RAT particularly dangerous is the fact that it can imitate trustworthy remote access apps. You won’t know it’s there once they have been installed as it doesn’t appear in a list of active programs or running processes. Why? Because it’s more advantageous for hackers to keep out of the limelight and avoid being caught. If you’re not taking proper security measures, it’s possible you could have a Remote Access Trojan on your computer for a long period without it being detected.

What is a RAT?

A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a type of malware that provides the attacker with full remote control over your system. When a RAT reaches your computer, it allows the hacker to easily access your local files, secure login authorization, and other sensitive information, or use that connection to download viruses you could unintentionally pass on to others.

What percentage of Georgia's internet was affected by the Russian invasion?

Thirty-five percent of Georgia’s Internet networks suffered decreased functionality during the attacks, with the highest levels of online activity coinciding with the Russian invasion of South Ossetia on August 8, 9, and 10. Even the National Bank of Georgia had to suspend all electronic services from August 8–19.

Can a RAT be paired with a keylogger?

For example, if a RAT is paired with a keylogger, it can easily gain login information for financial and personal accounts. To make matters worse, they can stealthily activate a computer’s camera or microphone, and even access private photos and documents, or use your home network as a proxy server, to commit crimes anonymously.

Is antivirus enough to keep a company secure?

Antivirus is no longer enough to keep an organization’s systems secure.

What is a RAT trojan?

RAT trojan is typically installed on a computer without its owner’s knowledge and often as a trojan horse or payload. For example, it is usually downloaded invisibly with an email attachment, torrent files, weblinks, or a user-desired program like a game. While targeted attacks by a motivated attacker may deceive desired targets into installing RAT ...

How to protect yourself from remote access trojans?

Just like protecting yourself from other network malware threats, for remote access trojan protection, in general, you need to avoid downloading unknown items; keep antimalware and firewall up to date, change your usernames and passwords regularly; (for administrative perspective) block unused ports, turn off unused services, and monitor outgoing traffic.

What Does a RAT Virus Do?

Since a remote access trojan enables administrative control , it is able to do almost everything on the victim machine.

How does RAT malware work?

Once get into the victim’s machine, RAT malware will hide its harmful operations from either the victim or the antivirus or firewall and use the infected host to spread itself to other vulnerable computers to build a botnet.

What is a RAT?

A remote access trojan (RAT), also called cree pware, is a kind of malware that controls a system via a remote network connection. It infects the target computer through specially configured communication protocols and enables the attacker to gain unauthorized remote access to the victim. RAT trojan is typically installed on a computer without its ...

Why is Darkcomet no longer available?

The reason is due to its usage in the Syrian civil war to monitor activists as well as its author’s fear of being arrested for unnamed reasons.

What does RAT stand for?

RAT can also stand for remote administration tool, which is software giving a user full control of a tech device remotely. With it, the user can access your system just like he has physical access to your device. So, the user can access your files, use your camera, and even turn off or turn on your machine.

What is remote access trojan?

Like most other forms of malware, Remote Access Trojans are often attached to files appearing to be legitimate, like emails or software bundles. However, what makes Remote Access Trojans particularly insidious is they can often mimic above-board remote access programs.

What happens if you install remote access Trojans?

If hackers manage to install Remote Access Trojans in important infrastructural areas—such as power stations, traffic control systems, or telephone networks—they can wreak havoc across neighborhoods, cities, and even entire nations.

What Is RAT Software?

One malicious example of remote access technology is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT), a form of malware allowing a hacker to control your device remotely. Once a RAT program is connected to your computer, the hacker can examine the local files, acquire login credentials and other personal information, or use the connection to download viruses you could unwittingly spread along to others.

How does Snort intrusion detection work?

The intrusion detection mode operates by applying threat intelligence policies to the data it collects, and Snort has predefined rules available on their website, where you can also download policies generated by the Snort user community. You can also create your own policies or tweak the ones Snort provides. These include both anomaly- and signature-based policies, making the application’s scope fairly broad and inclusive. Snort’s base policies can flag several potential security threats, including OS fingerprinting, SMB probes, and stealth port scanning.

What is the best way to detect malware?

The best option, especially for larger organizations, is to employ an intrusion detection system, which can be host-based or network-based. Host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDSs), which are installed on a specific device, monitor log files and application data for signs of malicious activity; network-based intrusion detection systems (NIDSs), on the other hand, track network traffic in real time, on the lookout for suspicious behavior. When used together, HIDSs and NIDSs create a security information and event management (SIEM) system. SIEM is an incredibly beneficial part of a strong security regimen and can help to block software intrusions which have slipped past firewalls, antivirus software, and other security countermeasures.

What was the Russian attack on Georgia?

An example of this occurred in 2008, when Russia used a coordinated campaign of physical and cyber warfare to seize territory from the neighboring Republic of Georgia. The Russian government did this using distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks which cut off internet coverage across Georgia, combined with APTs and RATs allowing the government to both collect intelligence about and disrupt Georgian military operations and hardware. News agencies across Georgia were also targeted, many of which had their websites either taken down or radically altered.

How do remote access Trojans evade live data analysis?

One way in which Remote Access Trojans can evade the live data analysis NIDSs provide is by dividing the command messaging sent through the malware across multiple data packets. NIDSs like Zeek, which focus more on application layers, are better able to detect split command messaging by running analyses across multiple data packets. This is one advantage Zeek has over Snort.

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