remote access tool malware

A Remote Access Trojan

(RAT) is malware that allows an attacker to access a target computer remotely. It lets attackers access the victim’s files, view emails and chats, and even take screenshots. The term “RAT” (Remote Access Tool) can be considered a synonym for “backdoor.”

Full Answer

What is remote access Tool (RAT)?

Remote Access Tool is a piece of software used to remotely access or control a computer. This tool can be used legitimately by system administrators for accessing the client computers. Remote Access tools, when used for malicious purposes, are known as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT).

What is remote administration tool malware?

Remote administration tool malware can look legitimate but perform dangerous processes. Remote administration tools (RATs) aren’t similar to regular computer viruses. Their server parts must be installed on the affected system as any other software. Of course, this can be done either with or without user's content.

What is a remote access trojan?

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.

What is remote administration tool infection email?

Remote Administration Tool infection email is a spam message trying to lure out money out of gullible people Scam message is related to Bitcoin scam and Bitcoin virus Remote Administration Tool (RAT) email is a malicious spam campaign that is coming from the I hacked your PC group.

What are the main features of a remote access Trojan?

Remote Access Trojan Definition Instead of destroying files or stealing data, a RAT gives attackers full control of a desktop or mobile device so that they can silently browse applications and files and bypass common security such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and authentication controls.

What do remote access tools do?

Remote access programs and tools (sometimes referred to as RATs) allow access and manipulation of systems remotely from another location. Many remote access programs are legitimate tools used by all types of users to access files and data on remote computers.

What are the variants of remote access Trojan?

Common Remote Access TrojansSakula. Sakula is a seemingly benign software with a legitimate digital signature, yet it allows attackers complete remote administration capabilities over a machine. ... KjW0rm. ... Havex. ... Agent. ... Dark Comet. ... AlienSpy. ... Heseber BOT. ... Sub7.More items...

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.

Is remote access safe?

Remote access solutions could leave you vulnerable. If you don't have proper security solutions in place, remote connections could act as a gateway for cybercriminals to access your devices and data. Hackers could use remote desktop protocol (RDP) to remotely access Windows computers in particular.

What happens if you give someone remote access to your computer?

This can be even worse than just conning you out of money, as undetected malware can allow hackers to steal your identity, including your passwords and financial information, over and over again, even if you get new passwords and account numbers.

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. Until now 500,000 systems have been infected worldwide with this Trojan.

Which of the following is a remote Trojan?

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

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.

Is a backdoor malware?

A backdoor is a malware type that negates normal authentication procedures to access a system. As a result, remote access is granted to resources within an application, such as databases and file servers, giving perpetrators the ability to remotely issue system commands and update malware.

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.

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.

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.

Which programming language is commonly used to create remote access Trojans?

For remote attacks on servers the Python language is popular among hackers.

What is rat application?

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 not a type of virus?

Which of the following is not a type of virus? Explanation: Types of viruses are System or Boot Sector Virus, Direct Action Virus, Resident Virus, Multipartite Virus, Polymorphic Virus, Overwrite Virus, Space-filler Virus, File infectors, Macro Virus, Rootkit virus. Trojan does not come under types of virus.

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.

What is the best program 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.

How does a backdoor work?

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, ...

Does MalwareFox block ads?

MalwareFox also protects you while browsing with its Browser Cleaner. This will effectively block ads and fake websites that may carry RATs. It specifically protects you from trojans using the Trojan Killer function which will effectively kill any attacks before it infects your computer.

Can a computer technician access your computer remotely?

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. Having remote access to any machine is a hacker’s dream. The ability to monitor and gather information from anyone without their knowledge certainly opens ...

Can a RAT attach to a file?

Once you download the file, the RAT will begin to hide in the computer until it can begin its attack. It can attach in any files such as documents, attachments in emails, and large software packages such as video games.

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.

Short bio

Remote Access Trojans are programs that provide the capability to allow covert surveillance or the ability to gain unauthorized access to a victim PC.

History

While the full history of Remote Access Trojans is unknown, these applications have been in use for a number of years to help attackers establish a foothold onto a victim PC. Well-known and long established Remote Access Trojans include the SubSeven, Back Orifice, and Poison-Ivy applications.

Common infection method

Remote Access Trojans can be installed in a number of methods or techniques, and will be similar to other malware infection vectors. Specially crafted email attachments, web-links, download packages, or .torrent files could be used as a mechanism for installation of the software.

Associated families

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.

Remediation

Remote Access Trojans are covert by nature and may utilize a randomized filename/path structure to try to prevent identification of the software.

Aftermath

Remote Access Trojans have the potential to collect vast amounts of information against users of an infected machine. If Remote Access Trojan programs are found on a system, it should be assumed that any personal information (which has been accessed on the infected machine) has been compromised.

Avoidance

As in all cases, never click email or website links from unknown locations or install software at the urging of unknown parties. Using a reputable antivirus and anti-malware solution will help to ensure Remote Access Trojans are unable to properly function, and will assist in mitigating any collection of data.