Remote-access Guide

how to detect remote access trojan

by Leann Gutmann Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

How do I know If I’m infected with a Remote Access Trojan?

  • Strange files appearing on your desktop
  • Webcams turning themselves on for no apparent reason
  • Slowness opening files and programs
  • Antivirus software continuously crashing or very slow
  • Web pages not loading or redirecting to other sites

Full Answer

What is a remote access trojan (RAT)?

A remote access trojan (RAT), also called creepware, 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.

How do I protect against a remote access trojan?

While there are several measures that can be helpful depending on the size of the environment you’re looking to protect—including security awareness training and antivirus software— intrusion detection systems are your best bet for preventing a Remote Access Trojan from slipping past your security setup.

Can desktop 1 detect remote access trojan?

Desktop 1 cannot be detected, but remote operations can be. There is no way they can do it. In theory, if they have access to your home ISP, they could see the inbound/outbound connections between your home PC and the server. 1. what is remote access trojan attack?

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 ...

image

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.

How are remote access Trojans delivered?

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.

What can remote access Trojans 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.

Which of the following is a remote Trojan?

Troya is a remote Trojan that works remotely for its creator.

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 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.

How do I stop remote access to my computer?

How to Disable Remote Access in Windows 10Type “remote settings” into the Cortana search box. Select “Allow remote access to your computer”. ... Check “Don't Allow Remote Connections” to this Computer. You've now disabled remote access to your computer.

How do I remove remote access?

Disable RDP in Windows 10Click the Windows Start button and type "Allow Remote Access to your computer". ... Make sure "Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer" is unchecked.Select "Don't allow remove connections to this computer" under the Remote Desktop section and then click OK.

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.

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...•

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 smart RAT switch app?

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.

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 type of Trojan is specifically designed to provide remote access to the systems it is installed on?

Backdoors introduced through Trojan horses are known as remote access Trojans (RATs). Typically, a RAT makes entries in the registry or configuration files of the operating system, so that it is initialized every time the system is booted.

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 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...•

What is RAT software?

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 ac...

What’s the difference between the RAT computer virus and RAT software?

As for functions, there is no difference between the two. Yet, while remote administration tool is for legit usage, RAT connotes malicious and crim...

What are the popular remote access applications?

The common remote desktop tools include but are not limited to TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop, ConnectWise Control, Splashtop Business...

What Is Remote Access Trojan Attack?

Remote access Trojan (RAT) programs are malware programs that allow the target computer to be controlled remotely. In the event of a compromised host system, the intruder may distribute RATs to other vulnerable computers and establish a botnet by using it.

How Does Remote Access Trojan Works?

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.

What Is The Best Remote Access Trojan?

Hackers commonly use Blackshades to gain remote access to computers. Windows-based operating systems are frequently targeted by this tool. The Trojan has infected 500,000 systems worldwide until now.

Can Antivirus Detect Rat?

RATs are not very effective against antivirus systems. It is not uncommon for computers and networks to be infected for years at a time. A RAT prevention system is rare because the RAT software can only be identified once it is installed on your computer. An intrusion detection system is the best way to deal with the RAT problem.

How Do I Detect Remote Access?

The Admin tab is located at the top. The Action Log Viewer can be found in the Tools section. The Remote Control checkbox can be found under the Select Module Type section. You can click on the show button.

Can Remote Desktop Be Monitored?

There is no doubt that they can see everything you see, and they can do so. Through Terminal Services Manager, you can shadow someone.

What Is A Remote Access Trojan Attack?

Remote access Trojan (RAT) programs are malware programs that allow the target computer to be controlled remotely. A user may download RATs invisibly with a program they request — such as a game — or send them as an email attachment. Keylogging or other spyware can be used to monitor user behavior.

What is Adwind malware?

Adwind is a paid malware platform that allows attackers to log keystrokes, steal passwords, capture webcam video, and more. Nasty stuff, for sure. Let’s break down what happened when the victim downloaded a so-called “important document” containing the Adwind RAT.

Do you need administrator privileges to write files to AppData?

Since AppData is owned by the user, an attacker doesn’t need to have Administrator privileges in order to write files there. In addition, many legitimate applications launch processes from AppData, so the file location alone isn’t likely to raise many red flags to defenders.

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.

Remote Access Trojan Definition

Malware developers code their software for a specific purpose, but to gain remote control of a user’s device is the ultimate benefit for an attacker who wants to steal data or take over a user’s computer.

How are Remote Access Trojans Useful to Hackers?

A 2015 incident in Ukraine illustrates the widespread and nefarious nature of RAT programs. Attackers using remote control malware cut power to 80,000 people by remotely accessing a computer authenticated into SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) machines that controlled the country’s utility infrastructure.

How Does a Remote Access Trojan Work?

To discover the way RATs work, users can remotely access a device in their home or on a work-related network. RATs work just like standard remote-control software, but a RAT is programmed to stay hidden to avoid detection either from anti-malware software or the device owner.

How to Detect a Remote Access Trojan

Because RATs are programmed to avoid detection, they can be difficult for the average user to identify. Depending on the RAT, users can take several steps to determine if they have a RAT installed on their system. These steps can be used to identify most malware on a system so that eradication steps can be taken to remove it.

RAT v. RAT

Once an adversary gets their hands on it, a remote administration tool can become a remote access trojan. The primary difference between a “trojan” and a “tool” is whether or not your organization still has control over the software, but determining that can be tricky.

NetSupport

In the case of one remote administration tool, known as “NetSupport,” malicious usage can usually be distinguished by a few factors:

Remote Utilities

Remote Utilities is a remote desktop suite known to the security community as “RURAT” when used in a malicious context. Execution from folders outside of “program files”—such as appdata or programdata —often indicates malicious use of Remote Utilities.

ScreenConnect

The ScreenConnect software (aka ConnectWise Control) has been leveraged in various cyber attacks since at least 2016. The application is feature-rich, allowing for remote management of hosts typically used for help desk support.

Anydesk

Anydesk markets itself as a cross-platform, fast, and secure remote desktop application capable of performing reliably under bandwidth constrained network connections. Due to its simplicity, Anydesk has recently become a de facto RMM tool used by attackers due to its lightweight footprint and ease of use for moving laterally.

Happy hunting!

We hope this blog has been helpful in demystifying some aspects of detecting abnormal usage of commonly abused RMM tools. Along with NetSupport, Remote Utilities, ScreenConnect, and Anydesk, we have observed ransomware operators using the following additional RMM tools over the years:

See what it's like to have a partner in the fight

Experience the difference between a sense of security and actual security.

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.

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 OSSEC in security?

OSSEC stands for Open Source HIDS Security . A HIDS is a Host Intrusion Detection System, which examines events on the computers in a network rather than trying to spot anomalies in the network traffic, which is what network intrusion detection systems do.

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.

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.

Is Sagan compatible with Snort?

Sagan is also compatible with other Snort-type systems, such as Snorby, BASE, Squil, and Anaval, which could all provide a front end for data analysis. Sagan is a log analysis tool and it needs to be used in conjunction with other data gathering systems in order to create a full intrusion detection system.

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.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9