What is a remote access trojan (RAT)?
Malware spotlight: What is a Remote Access Trojan (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.
What is a remote access toolkit (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.
What happens when you enable remote access to your computer?
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. A RAT is a type of malware that’s very similar to legitimate remote access programs.
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.
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.
What are the main features of a remote access Trojan?
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...
What are the variant of remote access Trojan?
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.
Is remote access Trojan a backdoor?
Remote access Trojans are malware programs that use backdoors to control the target machine with administrative privilege. These type of Trojans are downloaded invisibly with a user request for a program such as a game or an email attachment.
How do I know if someone is accessing my computer remotely?
You can try any of these for confirmation.Way 1: Disconnect Your Computer From the Internet.Way 2. ... Way 3: Check Your Browser History on The Computer.Way 4: Check Recently Modified Files.Way 5: Check Your computer's Login Events.Way 6: Use the Task Manager to Detect Remote Access.Way 7: Check Your Firewall Settings.More items...•
What is remote 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.
Which is the best remote access Trojan?
Blackshades is a Trojan which is widely used by hackers to gain access to any system remotely. This tool frequently attacks the Windows-based operating system for access.
What is a logic bomb and how does it work?
A Logic Bomb is a piece of often-malicious code that is intentionally inserted into software. It is activated upon the host network only when certain conditions are met. Logic bombs execute their functions, or launch their payload, once a certain condition is met such as upon the termination of an employee.
What is Nanocore RAT?
Nanocore RAT Propose Change Nanocore is a Remote Access Tool used to steal credentials and to spy on cameras. It as been used for a while by numerous criminal actors as well as by nation state threat actors.
What is difference between backdoor and Trojan?
Once activated, a trojan can spy on your activities, steal sensitive data, and set up backdoor access to your machine. A backdoor is a specific type of trojan that aims to infect a system without the knowledge of the user.
What is the difference between RAT and backdoor?
The term “RAT” (Remote Access Tool) can be considered a synonym to “backdoor”, but it usually signifies a full bundle including a client application meant for installation on the target system, and a server component that allows administration and control of the individual 'bots' or compromised systems.
What is meant by logic bomb?
A logic bomb is a string of malicious code inserted intentionally into a program to harm a network when certain conditions are met.
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.
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.
Which programming language is commonly used to create remote access Trojans?
For remote attacks on servers the Python language is popular among hackers.
What types of ports do successful Trojan programs commonly use?
What types of ports do successful Trojan programs commonly use? A good software or hardware firewall would most likely identify traffic that's using unfamiliar ports, but Trojan programs that use common ports, such as TCP port 80 (HTTP) or UDP port 53 (DNS), are more difficult to detect.
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 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.
How is the RAT installed on my computer?
RAT is often similar to other malware infection vectors. Hackers use various techniques to install a RAT on your computer. These techniques and methods are listed below:
How does a RAT work on my computer?
In the aftermath of a successful installation, RAT establishes a direct connectivity to the command-and-control (C&C) server, which is owned by the hackers, by using the predefined open TCP port of the compromised computer. The C&C server creates a remote communication on the victim’s machine. The RAT also has the ability to connect with one or more C&C servers run by the intruders.
Can a RAT use your internet address?
The malicious actors can also use your internet address as a front for malicious purposes. For example, viruses downloaded through a RAT have the ability to compromise other computers by impersonating you.
What is remote access?
SecurityMetrics PCI forensic investigators discovered that remote access is a top avenue hackers use to gain access into merchant systems in order to install custom-tailored POS malware. Other attack vectors include email phishing attacks, third-party vendor compromise, insider threats, social engineering, and using vulnerable applications to compromise systems.
How does POS malware work?
POS malware succeeds when system vulnerabilities– cracks in the wall – are present. These cracks allow hackers into merchant systems. The best way to prevent such attacks is to discontinue remote access, but in today’s world, that’s not always a realistic option. Alternatively, by taking simple steps and encouraging a multi-layered approach to security, merchants can secure their organization against a potentially devastating compromise.
How many people were affected by POS malware in 2014?
In the last two years, POS malware has compromised 100 million payment cards and potentially affected up to one in three people in the U.S.
Why is anti-malware updated?
Antivirus or anti-malware programs are updated on a regular basis to detect against known malware. Maintaining an up-to-date anti-malware program that scans systems on a regular basis will prevent known POS malware or other malware from infecting systems.
How does a merchant restrict access to two factor authentication?
By identifying sensitive systems and isolating them on their own network zone, merchants can control what type of access is allowed into these zones and restrict remote access to only allow two-factor authentication. Further restricting outbound access to only authorized IP addresses would help prevent unauthorized information from leaving the restricted network.
Why is vulnerability scanning important?
This statistic is exactly why vulnerability scanning is crucial to merchant security. Vulnerability scanning should be an ongoing, or at least conducted quarterly to help locate vulnerabilities, including any remote access problems.
Is remote access exploitation a simple attack?
Remote access exploitation is a simple attack to conduct, but it is also simple to protect against such attacks by employing the aforementioned PCI DSS requirements. Attackers will continue to use vulnerable remote access applications to their advantage in 2015 and beyond until merchants shore up their businesses against these popular attacks.
What is remote access?
Remote access is a common tool of any IT professionals. If you ever had your computer fixed, you probably had a technician access your machine from a remote location. They can take control of your PC using software created for this specific function.
What is RAT Malware?
A Remote Access Trojan, more popularly known as RAT, is a type of malware that can conduct covert surveillance to a victim’s computer. Its behavior is very similar to keyloggers. However, RATs can do much more than collect data from keystrokes, usernames, and passwords. Other modern keyloggers can also capture screenshots, emails, browser, chat logs, and more.
How do RATs gain access to a computer?
It can gain remote access to the victim’s computer through specially configured communication protocols that allow the malware to go unnoticed. The backdoor access provides virtually complete access to the machine such as change settings, monitor the user’s behavior, use the computer’s Internet connection, browse and copy files, and even access to other computers in the victim’s network.
What are some examples of hacker software?
Hackers trick users into downloading updates, or software that supposedly can improve your computer’s performance. Examples of such update are for Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Flash Player. Hackers can use it to automatically download malware through the software updater.
How to tell if a RAT is hiding in your computer?
Determining if a RAT is hiding in your computer is difficult as it does not exhibit the usual symptoms of a malware infection. However, ensuring that you only access legitimate and trustworthy websites is an excellent first step. Make sure that you have proper layers of protection especially if you regularly download files online or use torrent.
How do RATs spy on people?
Moreover, RATs can spy on victims by discreetly activating a computer’s webcam or microphone . It is especially dangerous when a computer is connected to various home gadgets such as home security systems, CCTV cameras, and more. It can escalate to a dangerous situation when the victim’s computer is used to conduct illegal activities, download illicit files, and conduct criminal transactions using your identity.
How to avoid RAT malware?
Fortunately, it is quite easy to avoid RAT malware. Avoid downloading files from untrustworthy sources. A good indicator of a legitimate website is the HTTPS in the URL. Moreover, do not download attachments from emails with unfamiliar sources. Do not torrent files unless you are certain that the source is clean as well.
What is the protocol used to send a malware?
So, when a malware is running in the background, it must establish a connection to the outside internet world. They also use a protocol like TCP or UDP to establish the internet connection and send our private information outside. Another important factor is that every process is assigned a PID (Process ID) in Windows.
How to delete malware in Windows 10?
Open file location. Do no click on ‘End task’ before opening the file location. So, first click on the ‘open file location’ which will open the location of the suspected malware and then you can end that task. In the file location, you can delete the malware.
What is a cmd prompt?
C ommand prompt can be a useful tool in scanning virus and malware that are running in the background, trying to establish a remote connection from our personal computers.
What is netstat command?
netstat: The netstat is a useful command for checking internet and network connections. -b attribute: displays the executable involved in creating each connection or listening port. -o attribute: displays the owning process id associated with each connection.
Can you delete malware from USB?
In the file location, you can delete the malware. If you are unable to delete the malware, you can follow our article — Remove Virus from USB Or Any Drive on Windows 10 Using CMD. Sometimes, it might also happen that the malware operates intermittently. In that case, we just cannot sit and wait for the malware to appear up.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
What happens if you remove the internet from your computer?
Removing the Internet connection from the device disables remote access to your system by an attacker. After the device can no longer connect to the Internet, use your installed anti-malware program to remove it from local storage and memory. Unless you have monitoring configured on your computer, you won't know which data and files transferred to an attacker. You should always change passwords across all accounts, especially financial accounts, after removing malware from your system.
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.
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 Does a RAT Virus Do?
Since a remote access trojan enables administrative control , it is able to do almost everything on the victim machine.
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 ...
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.
Is RAT a legit tool?
As for functions, there is no difference between the two. Yet, while remote administration tool is for legit usage, RAT connotes malicious and criminal activity.
