Remote Access Trojan (RAT)

 

 Remote Access Trojan ( RAT )

 

 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.

 The RAT is very dangerous because it enables intruders to get remote control of the compromised computer.

Attackers can use the exploited machines to perform various malicious activities such as installing and removing programs,

 manipulating files, hijacking the webcam, reading data from the keyboard, harvesting login credentials and monitoring the clipboard.

 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.

 Most Common Types Of RAT :

 1.Saefko : Saefko can retrieve Chrome browser history in order to learn about information cryptocurrency-related activities.

 2.Back Orifice :   Back Orifice is one of the well-known examples of the RAT. This malware is specifically designed to discover security deficiencies of Windows operating systems.

 3.Blackshades :  Blackshades is an off-the-peg hacking tool that propagates the RAT by sending out links to  infected web pages or/and social media contacts of the infected user.

 4.Beast :  Beast is another type of malware that mostly attacks Windows operating systems. It uses a client-server architecture similar to Back Orifice, with a server part of the system being the malware that is surreptitiously  installed on the victim machine.

 5.CrossRAT : If you are using macOS, Windows, Solaris or Linux, you are more prone to CrossRAT, which is an undetectable type of RAT.

    Once a victim falls prey to the attack, his computer is remotely controlled by malicious actors who make it perform functions to their own liking, such as taking screenshots or/and stealing personal data.

 How is RAT installed on the 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:

               1.Users can be tricked to download malicious packages

              2.Users can be lured into visiting suspicious web links

              3.Crafted email attachments are sent to the target users

              4.RAT is delivered using files downloaded through torrents

 How Does RAT Work?

A RAT malware opens up all the ports and access methods on your computer so hackers can easily control your computer or phone from a remote location.

If untouched, it's not dangerous but it's highly likely that a hacker will find your 'open' computer and access it, potentially stealing files,

valuable passwords, online banking details, and causing significant disruption to your computer. They can even wipe your hard drive or perform illegal activities in your name.

It's vital that you delete the threat quickly so that your system isn't inappropriately accessed by nefarious sources.

 How do we detect RATs?

Detecting a Remote Access Trojan is a difficult task because in most cases, they do not show up in the list of running tasks or

programs on your computer. Moreover, your system will not be slowed. However, your internet speed will slow down as RAT uses your bandwidth to work.

 A RAT can infect your computer for a number of years if it goes unnoticed.

To get out of the RAT nightmare, using malware detection tools and antivirus scans can be helpful.

 How can a RAT be avoided?

 1.Don’t download games through malicious websites.

 2.Don’t download files from untrusted sources such as pornography sites or freeware software.

 3.Always avoid opening email attachments from strangers or people you don’t know.

 4.Always keep your OS, web browsers and applications up-to-date and apply patches to all of them.

 5.Install antivirus software and keep it patched and up-to-date.

 6.You should also avoid downloading torrent files if they are from unreliable sources.