Remote-access Guide

rat remote access trojan email

by Nyasia Okuneva Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What is Remote Access Trojan (RAT)? A remote access Trojan (RAT) is a malware program that opens a backdoor, enabling administrative control over the victim’s computer. RATs are typically downloaded together with a seemingly legitimate program, like a game, or are sent to the target as an email attachment.

A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a tool used by malware developers to gain full access and remote control on a user's system, including mouse and keyboard control, file access, and network resource access.

Full Answer

What is remote access trojan (RAT)?

What is Remote Access Trojan (RAT)? A remote access Trojan (RAT) is a malware program that opens a backdoor, enabling administrative control over the victim’s computer. RATs are typically downloaded together with a seemingly legitimate program, like a game, or are sent to the target as an email attachment.

What is rat malware and how does it work?

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.

Can a rat be used to spy on your computer?

Unfortunately, this is very possible using a RAT. 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.

Is a rat 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.

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Can a Trojan give remote access?

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.

Can you get Trojan virus from email?

Most viruses, Trojan horses, and worms are activated when you open an attachment or click a link contained in an email message. If your email client allows scripting, then it is possible to get a virus by simply opening a message. It's best to limit what HTML is available in your email messages.

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 is a Trojan email?

Trojan emails are one such method. These emails come with malicious software or code, which at first glance, appears legitimate but is meant to assume control of your computer. Often, Trojan emails trick users into downloading malicious programs that are purported to be normal and safe.

Can you get hacked by opening an email?

Yes. There are some types of emails that can cause damage immediately upon opening, but if you know what to look for, you'll usually be able to avoid them. This typically happens when an email allows scripting, which allows the hacker to insert a virus or malware directly into the email.

Can I get hacked by responding to an email?

Although email viruses are still real threats, you will not download a virus by opening and replying to an infected email, as long as the malicious link or attachment in the email remains unopened.

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...•

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.

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.

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.

Can opening an email infect your phone?

A questionable email alone is unlikely to infect your phone, but you can get malware from opening an email on your phone if you actively accept or trigger a download. As with text messages, the damage is done when you download an infected attachment from an email or click a link to a malicious website.

Can Microsoft Defender remove Trojan?

Windows Defender comes packed with the Windows 10 update and offers top-notch antimalware protection to keep your device and data safe. Although, Windows Defender is not capable of handling all kinds of viruses, malware, trojan, and other security threats.

Can you get a virus from replying to an email?

Replying to an email will not let your computer get a virus. Computer viruses are frequently spread by attachments in email messages or by instant messaging messages.

What happens if I email a scammer?

PhishLabs warns that replying to a phishing email, even if you know it's a scam, can lead to further attacks. Most phishing campaigns are automated and replying to them puts you on a scammer's radar. PhishLabs stresses that these people are criminals, and that they can be vindictive or even dangerous.

Can you get a virus from opening an email in Gmail?

Email viruses are real, but computers aren't infected just by opening emails anymore. Just opening an email to view it is safe – although attachments can still be dangerous to open.

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 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.

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 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.

How do RATs 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

What is the best way to protect against RATs?

While Windows Defender is a fantastic security software, modern RATs can easily slip past its protection especially when it is not updated. Install a specialized anti-malware program, such as MalwareFox. It allows you to have peace of mind with its real-time protection. Additionally, if you suspect that your machine is infected, its deep scanning function will root out anything hiding in your computer.`

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 Can Remote Access Trojans Do?

Malware developers use Remote Access Trojan (RAT) tools to gain full access and control over a user’s computer, including mouse and keyboard control, file access, and network resources.

What Is The Best Trojan Remote Access?

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.

Are Remote Access Trojans Illegal?

According to law enforcement officials, it is not illegal to possess a remote-access tool. IT support is often provided by remote-access tools in corporate environments. The use of such tools for illegal purposes is a different ballgame, never mind the purpose-built remote access Trojan that can be used.

Is Remote Access Detectable?

Could the website detect that Desktop 2 is being remotely operated? 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.

What Damage Can A Trojan Do?

In general, a Trojan is designed to damage, disrupt, steal, or in general cause some other harm to your data or network. You are fooled by a Trojan by pretending to be a legitimate application or file.

What Happens If You Give Someone Remote Access To Your Computer?

The caller has access to your PC security if you give them access. scammers may try to reach you in a more clever way by tricking you into downloading malware onto your computer, which then flashes a message warning that you have a virus and need to contact “tech support” to have it removed from your computer.

Can Vpn Transmit Viruses?

The likelihood of being hacked or infected is lower when using a virtual private network. As a result, this is not because a VPN will remove malicious software from your device, but rather because you are not exposed to it. This means that you won’t be able to hack your device in the first place because you are not exposed.

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.

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.

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 ...

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 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.

What is a RAT?

A remote access trojan (RAT), also called cree pware, 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. RAT trojan is typically installed on a computer without its ...

What does RAT stand for?

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 access your system just like he has physical access to your device. So, the user can access your files, use your camera, and even turn off or turn on your machine.

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.

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