What is remote access trojan (RAT)?
A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a type of malware that lets a hacker take control of your computer. The spying activities that the hacker may carry out once that RAT is installed vary from exploring your files system, watching activities on the screen,...
What is remote access toolkit malware?
This type of malware is designed to allow a hacker to remotely control a target machine, providing a level of access similar to that a remote system administrator. In fact, some RATs are derived from or based upon legitimate remote administration toolkits.
Which is the Best Antivirus for remote access trojan detection?
Remote Access Trojan Detection 1 Avast 2 AVG 3 Avira 4 Bitdefender 5 Kaspersky 6 Malwarebytes 7 McAfee 8 Microsoft Windows Defender 9 Norton 10 PC Matic 11 Sophos 12 Trend Micro More ...
What is the difference between rats and 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 computers.
Can remote access Trojans be detected?
AIDE—short for Advanced Intrusion Detection Environment—is a HIDS designed specifically to focus on rootkit detection and file signature comparisons, both of which are incredibly useful for detecting APTs like Remote Access Trojans.
What are remote access Trojans used for?
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.
How do hackers use Trojans?
Trojans can use the victim computer to attack other systems using Denial of Services. Trojans can encrypt all your files and the hacker may thereafter demand money to decrypt them. These are Ransomware Trojans. They can use your phones to send SMS to third parties.
How are remote access Trojans spread?
These messages have . ZIP files attached which, once opened, reveal an ISO image. The ISO file is equipped with a malicious loader for the Trojans through either JavaScript, a Windows batch file, or a Visual Basic script. If a victim attempts to load the disk image, these scripts will trigger.
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.
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.
What is a backdoor hack?
A backdoor refers to any method by which authorized and unauthorized users are able to get around normal security measures and gain high level user access (aka root access) on a computer system, network or software application.
Can you remove a trojan virus?
Trojan viruses can be removed in various ways. If you know which software contains the malware, you can simply uninstall it. However, the most effective way to remove all traces of a Trojan virus is to install antivirus software capable of detecting and removing Trojans.
How do I know if I have Trojan virus?
Here are the most common signs of a Trojan malware attack:Your computer feels slow. ... Crashes and freezes. ... Unfamiliar apps on your device. ... Internet redirects. ... Changes to your desktop, taskbar, or browser. ... More pop-ups. ... Your antivirus software is deactivated.
What is smart RAT switch?
RAT infected Android devices can be remotely zombified by the perpetrator, allowing virtually unlimited access to photos, data and messages on the device. The Dendroid RAT provides full access to infected devices' camera and microphone, and can place calls or listen in on a user's phone conversations or text messages.
Which of the following is a remote Trojan?
Troya is a remote Trojan that works remotely for its creator.
What is a Remote Access Trojan which is installed by SMS spoofing used for?
Remote Access Trojans are programs that provide the capability to allow covert surveillance or the ability to gain unauthorized access to a victim PC.
What is a backdoor in cyber security?
Definition(s): An undocumented way of gaining access to computer system. A backdoor is a potential security risk.
What is a Remote Access Trojan which is installed by SMS spoofing used for?
Remote Access Trojans are programs that provide the capability to allow covert surveillance or the ability to gain unauthorized access to a victim PC.
Which of the following is a remote Trojan?
Troya is a remote Trojan that works remotely for its creator.
What are the common backdoor?
7 most common application backdoorsShadowPad. ... Back Orifice. ... Android APK backdoor. ... Borland/Inprise InterBase backdoor. ... Malicious chrome and Edge extension backdoor. ... Backdoors in outdated WordPress plugins. ... Bootstrap-Sass Ruby library backdoor.
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 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.
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.
Who created DarkComet?
French hacker Jean-Pierre Lesueur developed DarkComet in 2008, but the system didn’t really proliferate until 2012. This is another hacker system that targets the Windows operating system from Windows 95 up to Windows 10. It has a very easy-to-use interface and enables those without technical skills to perform hacker attacks.
Can antivirus be used to get rid of a RAT?
Antivirus systems don’t do very well against RATs. Often the infection of a computer or network goes undetected for years. The obfuscation methods used by parallel programs to cloak the RAT procedures make them very difficult to spot. Persistence modules that use rootkit techniques mean that RATs are very difficult to get rid of. Sometimes, the only solution to rid your computer of a RAT is to wipe out all of your software and reinstall the operating system.
Can a hacker use your internet address?
The hacker might also be using your internet address as a front for illegal activities, impersonating you, and attacking other computers. Viruses downloaded through RAT will infect other computers, while also causing damage to your system by erasing or encryption essential software.
Who used RATs?
The original users of RATs for industrial espionage and sabotage were Chinese hackers. Over the years, Russia has come to appreciate the power of RATs and has integrated them into its military arsenal. APTs are now officially part of the Russian offense strategy that is known as “ hybrid warfare .”
How are Remote Access Trojans Useful to Hackers?
Attackers using remote control malware cut power to 80,000 people by remotely accessing a computer authenticated into SCADA (supervisor y control and data acquisition) machines that controlled the country’s utility infrastructure. RAT software made it possible for the attacker to access sensitive resources through bypassing the authenticated user's elevated privileges on the network. Having access to critical machines that control city resources and infrastructure is one of the biggest dangers of RAT malware.
Why do attackers use remote devices?
Instead of storing the content on their own servers and cloud devices, attackers use targeted stolen devices so that they can avoid having accounts and servers shut down for illegal content.
Why is email at risk?
Since an attacker remotely accesses the computer, authenticated accounts such as email are at risk. Attackers can use email, for example, to send malicious messages to other potential victims using the authenticated email account on the remotely controlled device. Using a trusted email account gives attackers a better chance of tricking an email recipient into installing malware or running a malicious attachment.
How to install a RAT?
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. When a user allows the macro to run on a device, the macro silently downloads RAT malware and installs it. With the RAT installed, an attacker can now remotely control the desktop, including mouse movement, mouse clicks, camera controls, keyboard actions, and any configured peripherals.
Why do attackers use RATs?
RATs have the same remote-control functionality as RDPs, but are used for malicious purposes. Attackers always code software to avoid detection, but attackers who use a RAT risk being caught when the user is in front of the device and the mouse moves across the screen. Therefore, RAT authors must create a hidden program and use it when the user is not in front of the device. To avoid detection, a RAT author will hide the program from view in Task Manager, a Windows tool that lists all the programs and processes running in memory. Attackers aim to stay hidden from detection because it gives them more time to extract data and explore network resources for critical components that could be used in future attacks.
What happens if you don't see malware in Task Manager?
If you don’t see any potential malware in Task Manager, you could still have a RAT that an author programmed to avoid detection. Good anti-malware applications detect most of the common RATs in the wild. Any zero-day malware remains undetected until the user updates their anti-malware software, so it’s important to keep your anti-malware and antivirus software updated. Vendors for these programs publish updates frequently as new malware is found in the wild.
What is remote control software?
Legitimate remote-control software exists to enable an administrator to control a device remotely. For example, administrators use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) configured on a Windows server to remotely manage a system physically located at another site such as a data center. Physical access to the data center isn’t available to administrators, so RDP gives them access to configure the server and manage it for corporate productivity.
How do remote access Trojans work?
The Remote Access Trojans get themselves downloaded on a device if the victims click on any attachment in an email or from a game. It enables the attacker to get control over the device and monitor the activities or gaining remote access. This RAT makes itself undetected on the device, and they remain in the device for a longer period of time for getting data that may be confidential.
What is the most powerful Trojan?
One of the most powerful Trojans that are popularly used by the attacker or hacker is Remote Access Trojan. This is mostly used for malicious purposes. This Trojan ensures the stealthy way of accumulating data by making itself undetected. Now, these Trojans have the capacity to perform various functions that damages the victim.
What is the advantage of remote access?
Advantage of Remote Access Trojans : It can be used to capture screenshots. The attacker can activate the webcam, or they can record video. The RAT can be used to delete the files or alter files in the system. It can also be used to capture screenshots.
What is a keylogger used for?
It can be used to monitor the user by using some spyware or other key-logger.
Can an attacker record video?
The attacker can activate the webcam, or they can record video.
What is a remote access Trojan?
There are several remote access systems that may have legitimate applications , but they are known as tools that hackers use primarily as part of a Trojan; these are classified as remote access Trojans.
What is a Remote Access Trojan and How it Works, Exactly?
A remote access Trojan, more popularly known as RAT, is a type of malware that can carry out covert surveillance on a victim’s computer.
What is botnet hacking?
Essentially, a botnet allows a hacker to use a computer’s resources for tasks like DDOS attacks, Bitcoin mining, file hosting, and torrenting.
What is darkcomet software?
DarkComet – The software allows spying by keylogging, screen capture, and password collection. The controlling hacker can also operate the power functions of a remote computer, allowing it to be turned on or off remotely.
What is RAT Detection Tool #3?
RAT Detection Tool #3 – Suricata: This is a rate-based system that applies application layer analysis, so it will detect the signatures that are distributed between the packages. It monitors the activity of the IP, TLS, TCP, and UDP protocols and targets key network applications such as FTP, HTTP, ICMP, and SMB.
What is RAT tool 2?
RAT Detection Tool #2 – Bro: This is a free NIDS that can be installed on Unix, Linux, and Mac OS. It is highly analytical because it applies cross-packet analysis and uses signature-based analysis and anomaly-based detection.
Why are obfuscation methods used in parallel programs?
The obfuscation methods used by parallel programs to hide RAT procedures make them very difficult to detect.
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 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 ...
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.
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.
Why do RATs use a randomized filename?
It is kind of difficult. RATs are covert by nature and may make use of a randomized filename or file path structure to try to prevent identification of itself. Commonly, a RAT worm virus does not show up in the lists of running programs or tasks and its actions are similar to those of legal programs.
How to check if my computer is safe?
Open the command prompt better as administrator, type “ system.ini ”, and press Enter. Then, a notepad will pop up showing you a few details of your system. Take a look at the drivers section, if it looks brief as what the below picture shows, you are safe. if there are some other odd characters, there may be some remote devices accessing your system via some of your network ports.
Why are remote access Trojans important?
Remote Access Trojans fulfill an important function for hackers. Most attack vectors, like phishing, are ideal for delivering a payload to a machine but don’t provide the hacker with the ability to explore and interact with the target environment. RATs are designed to create a foothold on the target machine that provides the hacker with the necessary level of control over their target machine.
What is the next step in a phishing attack?
Once a hacker has gained initial access to a target machine, expanding and solidifying that foothold is the next logical step. In the case of a phishing attack, this involves using malware to take advantage of the access provided by the email.
What is ICS malware?
Malware targeting industrial control systems (ICS) is nothing new, with big names like Stuxnet and Industroyer designed to cause physical damage. However, some ICS-focused malware is targeted at controlling critical infrastructure.
What is PhoneSpector?
PhoneSpector offers the hacker the ability to monitor a wide variety of activities on the device. This includes monitoring phone calls and SMS messages (even those that were deleted) as well as app activity. PhoneSpector even provides a customer service helpline in case a hacker gets in a bind. 4.
How does PhoneSpector work?
One of these is PhoneSpector, which bills itself as being designed to help parents and employers but acts like malware. The software can be installed by getting the device owner to click on a link and enter a product key on their device. It then monitors the device while remaining undetectable to the user.
Do remote access Trojans exist?
Many different Remote Access Trojans exist, and some hackers will modify existing ones or develop their own to be better suited to their preferences. Different RATs are also designed for different purposes, especially with RATs geared specifically to each potential target (desktop versus mobile, Windows versus Apple and so on).
Is Androrat still used?
Despite the age of the source code (last update in 2014), AndroRAT continues to be used by hackers. It includes the ability to inject its malicious code into legitimate applications, making it easy for a hacker to release a new malicious app carrying the RAT.
4 Common Types of Remote Attacks
A remote attack refers to a malicious attack that targets one or more computers on a network. Remote hackers look for vulnerable points in a network’s security to remotely compromise systems, steal data, and cause many other kinds of problems. Some of the most types of remote attacks are:
1. Domain Name System (DNS) Poisoning
The DNS server is tricked into accepting falsified traffic as authentic. Users are then redirected to fake websites where they unknowingly download malicious content like viruses which the attackers exploit further to steal data or compromise systems.
2. Port Scanning
Hackers use port scanning software to find open ports on a network host. To do this, they send packets to each port and determine which ports are open based on the response type. While the scanning itself does not cause damage, threat actors do utilize this method to exploit potential vulnerabilities on the network, and then gain access to it.
3. Password Spraying
Attackers will identify a large number of usernames (accounts), and attempt to guess the passwords for those accounts to gain unauthorized access. They usually use a single commonly-used password in a particular timed interval, e.g., one password a week, to remain undetected and avoid account lockouts.
4. Phishing
Phishing is one of the most commonly-used methods to gain remote access to corporate networks. Bad actors send emails to potential victims containing malicious links or attachments.
How Organizations Can Protect Themselves from Remote Hackers
Here are some ways remote hackers hack into remote access tools to manipulate enterprise systems, steal data, and disrupt businesses.
1. Virtual Private Network (VPN) Attacks
The problem: Many organizations rely on VPNs to enable remote access for employees. But not all VPNs provide end-to-end encryption, and many still rely on weak or outdated encryption. Remote hackers exploit these weaknesses to compromise enterprise systems.
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.
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.
How to remove RATs from computer?
Since most hackers use well-known RATs (instead of developing their own), anti-virus software is the best (and easiest) way to find and remove RATs from your computer. 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.
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 antivirus software should I use for my PC?
Windows Defender is included with your PC (and it’s honestly a great anti-virus software ), but if you feel the need for some extra security, then you can download a commercial anti-virus software like Kaspersky or Malwarebytes.
What is the purpose of a computer virus?
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.
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.
