What is a Remote Access Trojan?

Remote Access Trojan (RAT)

Remote Access Trojans (RATs): What They Are, How They Work, and How to Protect Your Computer

While the name may conjure images of scuttling vermin, the reality of Remote Access Trojans (also known as RATs) is far more dangerous than their rodent counterparts. RATs are a highly dangerous type of malware that allow cybercriminals to remotely take control of a device without the user’s knowledge. These malicious programs are designed to infiltrate systems and provide the attackers not only with unauthorized access, but ultimately your data and personal information. RATs enable criminals to spy on your activities and even manipulate your device in real time from a separate location.

Given the growing sophistication of cyber threats, it’s essential that every computer user understands how RATs work, how to spot them, and how to protect their systems from these insidious intruders.

How Remote Access Trojans work

Using forms of deception, such as phishing emails, malicious downloads, or exploiting software vulnerabilities, a RAT will infiltrate a user’s device and infect their system. Once a RAT infects a system it can run silently in the background, making it difficult for the victim to detect. The malware opens a backdoor to the attacker, who is then able to remotely control the device and perform a wide range of actions. 

The typical infection process would include:

  1. Infection: The RAT is introduced to the target device through disguised software, attachments, or compromised websites.
  2. Establishment: Once installed, the RAT connects to a command-and-control server where the attacker can issue commands remotely.
  3. Execution: The attacker gains full control, enabling them to log keystrokes, capture screenshots, access files, and much more – all without the user’s knowledge.
  4. Concealment: RATs are designed to remain hidden and persist, often reinstalling themselves even after a system reboot.

RATs operate covertly, making them a danger to anyone without the right tools to detect and remove them. 

Common methods of RAT infections

Here are some of the most common causes of RAT infections:

  • Email attachments with RAT payloads: Attackers often disguise RATs as legitimate files attached to emails, tricking unsuspecting users into opening and downloading them.
  • Malicious links: Spread through phishing emails or social media, these links can lead to RAT infections, redirecting users to compromised websites that then download the malware to their system.
  • Nefariously bundled software: Free software from untrustworthy or unsecure sources might come bundled with RATs, which are silently installed alongside the desired application.
  • Drive-by downloads from compromised websites: Simply visiting an infected website can trigger an automatic download of a RAT without the user’s knowledge.
  • USBs or other physical access: Attackers can physically install RATs through USB drives or other forms of access to your device.
  • Exploiting vulnerabilities: For cybercriminals, finding unpatched software vulnerabilities is like a thief finding open windows – they mean that RATs can be installed without any need for direct user interaction. 

RAT capabilities

Once installed, RATs have a wide range of capabilities, many of which can cause significant harm to both individual devices and whole organizations alike. Here are some of the most common actions that RATs perform:

  • Keylogging – recording every keystroke made, allowing attackers to steal passwords, credit card numbers, and read personal messages.
  • Screen capturing – taking screenshots of any open windows.
  • File access and manipulation – viewing, modifying, and even deleting files from the infected device without the user’s knowledge.
  • Activating webcams and microphones – attackers using RATs can spy on their victims through audio and video by turning on their webcams and microphones remotely.
  • Data theft – using personal information to commit identity fraud, drain bank accounts, and cause long-term damage.

RATs have the ability to monitor almost everything that happens on an infected device.

Different types of Remote Access Trojans

There are many different types of RATs, each with unique capabilities and preferred targets. In some ways this is beneficial, the distinctions between them make it possible to track their prevalence. Here are some well-known variants of RATs that have been responsible for numerous cybercrimes:

  • DarkComet: This RAT specifically targets Windows systems, and allows attackers to spy on their victims and steal data by controlling their devices remotely. It was used widely during the Syrian Civil War.
  • NjRAT: Made by a community of hackers and used against targets in the Middle East, it focuses on stealing banking credentials and login data, and can record keystrokes and remotely manipulate files. 
  • BlackShades: A particularly notorious RAT, the FBI has arrested hundreds of people found to be using this malware, and it has been used in large-scale cyber attacks targeting individuals and organizations alike to steal private data.

The dangers of Remote Access Trojans

RATs can have devastating consequences. Once a RAT gains access to a system, it can cause a wide range of harm. Here are some of the most significant dangers associated with RATs:

  • Theft of sensitive information: Attackers can steal login credentials, personal identification, banking information, and more. This can lead to identity theft and financial loss.
  • Control of critical systems: RATs hijack important systems, making it possible for attackers to manipulate operations or shut down essential services.
  • Corporate espionage: Infiltrating a company’s network through a RAY can give attackers access to confidential data, trade secrets, and intellectual property.
  • Personal blackmail: Attackers may use images or information obtained via RATs to extort victims, threatening to release the data unless their demands are met.
  • Long-term reputational damage: Data breaches caused by RATs can damage the reputation of companies and erode trust with customers and stakeholders.
  • Cryptomining: Some RATs turn infected devices into cryptomining machines, using the system’s resources to generate cryptocurrency for the attacker.
  • DDoS attacks: RATs can be used to orchestrate Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, overwhelming systems and making essential services unavailable.
  • Spreading malware: RATs can act as a gateway for other malware, facilitating further infections. 

How to detect RATs

Catching a RAT infection early can help to mitigate the damage – and despite their covert operations, there are often telltale signs that may indicate their presence. 

If your system is running unusually slowly, it might mean that there’s a RAT running in the background alongside your regular applications. Similarly, if you spot any unfamiliar processes running in your system’s task manager, it could be a RAT operating remotely. Sometimes you might not be able to identify any processes, but you might be able to see an unusual spike in network usage – this could be a RAT communicating with a remote server.

In short, it’s important to familiarize yourself with what the day-to-day running processes and activity of your device looks like, to help identify anything unusual. Try to make the following habits commonplace:

  • Using network monitoring tools to track any irregular traffic patterns.
  • Regularly checking your remote access settings to identify any suspicious connections.
  • Using RAT detection tools to scan for and remove any malicious programs, such as our free trojan scanner and removal tool.

How to protect against RATs

Though they can be removed, preventing RATs from infecting your device in the first place will always be the safest course of action. By following these practical tips you can minimize the risk of infection and keep your system secure.

Use strong and unique passwords

Using complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts can prevent attackers from easily gaining access to your system.

Use firewalls

Firewalls are a barrier between your device and any potentially harmful traffic, helping to prevent unauthorized remote access.

Keep software and systems up to date

Regularly updating your operating systems and software patches any vulnerabilities that attackers may otherwise be able to exploit.

Use a VPN

A VPN can help protect your online activities from prying eyes by encrypting your data, reducing the likelihood of your connection being intercepted.

Avoid using suspicious links and emails

Exercise caution with any unsolicited or suspicious messages you receive, and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from any unknown sources.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to an account.

Practice the principle of Least Privilege

Limit the number of users with administrative privileges on your devices. This practice minimizes the damage that a RAT can cause if it infiltrates your system.

Use a trusted anti-spyware program

Invest in reliable anti-malware software, such as SUPERAntiSpyware to detect and remove RATs before they can cause harm.

Case studies and real-world examples

We’ve already mentioned the number of known cases of RATs causing carnage in the real world. Here are some more notable examples.

Mirage

Mirage is a RAT that was used by Chinese cyber espionage groups to target government agencies and defense contractors, enabling them to steal sensitive information and monitor high-value targets.

Poison Ivy

The Poison Ivy RAT was used in 2011 to gain access to confidential company data from the RSA, causing significant financial and reputational damage.

Ghost

The Ghost RAT was discovered targeting government networks around the world; it allowed attackers to exfiltrate sensitive documents and monitor critical communications through microphone and webcam surveillance. 

Set a trap for RATs

While they’re a formidable form of malware, Remote Access Trojan removal and prevention is possible. Their stealthy nature, combined with the wide range of harmful actions they can carry out, makes them a serious risk – and one it’s worth defending yourself from. Using tools such as ours for proactive scanning and removal services can help to keep your sensitive information safe.

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