A remote-access Trojan (or RAT) is software that allows a hacker to gain unauthorized access to a device. With RAT, the hacker can do almost anything with the device. They could monitor your actions on that device or use your device to commit a crime or steal important information.
Full Answer
What is remote access technology (RAT)?
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.
What is a rat virus?
A RAT is a type of malware that’s very similar to legitimate remote access programs. The main difference, of course, is that RATs are installed on a computer without a user’s knowledge. Most legitimate remote access programs are made for tech support and file sharing purposes, while RATs are made for spying on, hijacking, or destroying ...
What is a remote access trojan and how does it work?
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 are rat programs and how do they affect your computer?
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.
Is remote access Trojan 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.
Is RAT a malware?
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.
What is a computer remote access tool RAT?
A remote access Trojan (RAT) is a malware program that includes a back door for administrative control over the target computer. RATs are usually downloaded invisibly with a user-requested program -- such as a game -- or sent as an email attachment.
How is RAT malware installed?
An attacker must convince the user to install a RAT either by downloading malicious software from the web or running an executable from a malicious email attachment or message. RATs can also be installed using macros in Microsoft Word or Excel documents.
Can someone RAT an Iphone?
So someone would need direct physical access to your iOS device and a computer to install a RAT exploit into it. Even if you accessed a web site or email with a RAT package hidden in it, it cannot execute or do anything on a normal iOS installation.
Is TeamViewer a RAT?
The JS script then launches the malware, which installs a version of TeamViewer, a remote administration tool (RAT), modified by the attackers. As in earlier attacks, the attackers use a malicious DLL library to hide the graphical user interface in order to control the infected system without the user's knowledge.
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.
How do I know if my computer has malware?
Here are a few telltale signs that you have malware on your system:Your computer slows down. ... Your screen is inundated with annoying ads. ... Your system crashes. ... You notice a mysterious loss of disk space. ... There's a weird increase in your system's Internet activity. ... Your browser settings change.More items...
Who uses remote access tool?
Remote access is used by support technicians and professionals who remotely configure data centers and other industrial applications. There are two major categories of remote desktop software: operating-system-based and third-party solutions.
Is someone using my computer remotely?
Open your Task Manager or Activity Monitor. These utilities can help you determine what is currently running on your computer. Windows – Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Mac – Open the Applications folder in Finder, double-click the Utilities folder, and then double-click Activity Monitor.
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.
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.
What is the RAT virus called?
Hantavirus is spread from wild rodents, particularly mice and rats, to people. The virus, which is found in rodent urine, saliva, and feces (poop), can be easily released in the air in confined spaces when disturbed by rodents or human activities, such as sweeping or vacuuming.
What is crypto malware?
Crypto malware, also known as crypto-mining malware, is malicious software installed by threat actors on victims' devices. It allows threat actors to mine cryptocurrencies using the victim's computing resources without their knowledge.
Are PUPs malware?
Type and source of infection. Detections categorized as PUPs are not considered as malicious as other forms of malware, and may even be regarded by some as useful. Malwarebytes detects potentially unwanted programs for several reasons, including: They may have been installed without the user's consent.
What is RAT network?
A Radio Access Technology or (RAT) is the underlying physical connection method for a radio based communication network. Many modern mobile phones support several RATs in one device such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GSM, UMTS, LTE or 5G NR.
Short bio
Remote Access Trojans are programs that provide the capability to allow covert surveillance or the ability to gain unauthorized access to a victim PC.
History
While the full history of Remote Access Trojans is unknown, these applications have been in use for a number of years to help attackers establish a foothold onto a victim PC. Well-known and long established Remote Access Trojans include the SubSeven, Back Orifice, and Poison-Ivy applications.
Common infection method
Remote Access Trojans can be installed in a number of methods or techniques, and will be similar to other malware infection vectors. Specially crafted email attachments, web-links, download packages, or .torrent files could be used as a mechanism for installation of the software.
Associated families
There are a large number of Remote Access Trojans. Some are more well-known than others. SubSeven, Back Orifice, ProRat, Turkojan, and Poison-Ivy are established programs. Others, such as CyberGate, DarkComet, Optix, Shark, and VorteX Rat have a smaller distribution and utilization.
Remediation
Remote Access Trojans are covert by nature and may utilize a randomized filename/path structure to try to prevent identification of the software.
Aftermath
Remote Access Trojans have the potential to collect vast amounts of information against users of an infected machine. If Remote Access Trojan programs are found on a system, it should be assumed that any personal information (which has been accessed on the infected machine) has been compromised.
Avoidance
As in all cases, never click email or website links from unknown locations or install software at the urging of unknown parties. Using a reputable antivirus and anti-malware solution will help to ensure Remote Access Trojans are unable to properly function, and will assist in mitigating any collection of data.
What Is a Remote-Access Trojan?
A RAT is a piece of software that gives a stranger the ability to watch anything you do on a device. That stranger can also do anything on your device you're able to do.
How do you get infected with RAT software?
No one intends to hand control to a hacker. Unfortunately, it's very easy to get infected with RAT malware.
Why do hackers use RAT malware?
Every hacker is different, and they all enter the work with different goals and objectives. But in general, people use a tool like this for a few specific purposes.
Can you defeat a RAT software attack?
Protecting your assets is critical, and your work should progress on two fronts.
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.
Can a RAT program be used to download viruses?
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 RAT malware work?
RAT malware works clandestinely. Hackers use the C&C server to establish connectivity and get remote, administrative control over the victim’s computer. RATs can be very dangerous if they go unnoticed. However, applying appropriate security controls and best practices can prevent hackers from compromising your computer.
What is Blackshades hacking?
Blackshades is an off-the-peg hacking tool that propagates the RAT by sending out links to infected web pages or/and social media contacts of the infected user. Upon successful installation, hackers install botnet functions that get the victim’s machine to launch Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. In addition, the infected computer can also act as a proxy server to route hacker traffic and hide other hacking activities.
What is a RAT?
A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a type of malware that allows covert surveillance, a backdoor for administrative control and unfettered and unauthorized remote access to a victim’s machine. The RAT is very dangerous because it enables intruders to get remote control of the compromised computer. Attackers can use the exploited machines to perform various malicious activities such as installing and removing programs, manipulating files, hijacking the webcam, reading data from the keyboard, harvesting login credentials and monitoring the clipboard.
What to do after disconnecting internet?
After disconnecting the internet, you need to use a malware program such as Spy Hunter or Malwarebytes to exterminate a RAT. If you are a company, then initiate a security training and awareness program to educate your employees about RATs and other malware.
What is the beast malware?
Beast. Beast is another type of malware that mostly attacks Windows operating systems. It was developed in 2002 and is still in use to a large extent. Until recently, it attacked a series of operating systems ranging from Windows 95 to Windows 10.
Why is it difficult to avoid a RAT?
It is sometimes difficult to avoid a RAT because the attackers use a binder to link a RAT with legitimate executable programs, which hampers the detector from finding it. Though RATs don’t show up in running processes, using a task manager to look for unfamiliar or unknown processes is a good practice.
What is back orifice?
Developed by the hacker group Cult of the Dead Cow, Back Orifice is one of the well-known examples of the RAT. This malware is specifically designed to discover security deficiencies of Windows operating systems.
What is a RAT?
RATs are tools that are usually used in a stealth type of hacker attack, which is called an Advanced Persistent Threat, or APT. This type of intrusion is not focused on damaging information or raiding computers quickly for data.
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 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.
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.
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.
Is remote access a Trojan?
There are a number of remote access systems that could have legitimate applications, but are well-known as tools that are mainly used by hackers as part of a Trojan; these are categorized as Remote Access Trojans. The details of the best-known RATs are explained below.
What is a RAT in cyber security?
Maxim Apryatin/Shutterstock. In most cases, RATs are used like spyware. A money-hungry (or downright creepy) hacker can use a RAT to obtain keystrokes and files from an infected computer. These keystrokes and files could contain bank information, passwords, sensitive photos, or private conversations.
What is a RAT?
A RAT is a type of malware that’s very similar to legitimate remote access programs. The main difference, of course, is that RATs are installed on a computer without a user’s knowledge. Most legitimate remote access programs are made ...
What is botnet hacking?
Essentially, a botnet allows a hacker to utilize your computer resources for super nerdy (and often illegal) tasks, like DDOS attacks, Bitcoin mining, file hosting, and torrenting. Sometimes, this technique is utilized by hacker groups for the sake of cyber crime and cyber warfare.
What does remote access do on a PC?
When remote access is enabled, authorized computers and servers can control everything that happens on your PC. They can open documents, download software, and even move the cursor around your screen in real time.
Can a hacker use a RAT?
Hackers can also control your computer remotely to perform embarrassing or illegal actions online in your name or use your home network as a proxy server to commit crimes anonymously. A hacker can also use a RAT to take control of a home network and create a botnet.
Is Kaspersky a RAT?
Kaspersky or Malwarebytes have an extensive, ever-expanding database of RATs, so you don’t have to worry about your anti-virus software being out of date or half baked. If you’ve run anti-virus, but you’re still paranoid that there’s a RAT on your PC, then you could always format your computer.
Do RATs work?
RAT s Work Best When They Go Unnoticed. Most computer viruses are made for a singular purpose. Keyloggers automatically record everything that you type, ransomware restricts access to your computer or its files until you pay a fee, and adware dumps dubious ads onto your computer for profit. But RATs are special.
What Is A Remote Access Trojan Horse?
A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a program that allows malware developers to gain full control over a user’s computer, including mouse and keyboard control, file access, and network resources.
What Does Rat Mean In Computers?
Remote administration tools (RATs) are software that lets a person control a tech device remotely using their computer. As if you were a physical user, the RAT gives you access to your system.
What Is The Full Form Of Rats?
A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) or Remote Administration Tool is a computer virus or malware program that gives an attacker complete control over a computer.
How Do Rats Work?
A RAT allows you to upload or download files, run commands, capture keystrokes, take screen shots, and view file hierarchies. Hackers may have a foothold on a target system before uploading other malware and APTs with RATs. In addition, it is a good introduction for those who are interested in learning more about hackers.
How Does Rat Trojan Work?
A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) infects a computer with a virus that gives cyberattackers unrestricted access to the data on the PC by using the victim’s access permissions. A RAT can include backdoors into the computer system, which can be used to create a botnet and spread to other devices as well.
Which Of The Following Is Remote Trojan?
SubSeven, Back Orifice, and Poison-Ivy are some of the most well-known and long-established Remote Access Trojan programs. These programs were developed in the late 1990s and are still in use today.
What Is A Trojan Virus And What Does It Do?
An example of a Trojan virus is a malware that masquerades as a real program and invades your computer. The trojan can perform destructive actions before you even know it is there once it has been installed in your system.
