What is RAT Malware and Why is It So Vulnerable?

A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a type of malware that enables hackers to monitor and control your computer or network. But how does RAT work, why do hackers use them, and how to avoid them?

RATs Provide Hackers Remote Access to Your Computer

If you've ever had to call tech support for a PC, then you're apparently close with the magic of remote access. When remote access is approved, authorized computers and servers can control everything that happens on your PC. They can open documents, download software, and even drive the cursor around the screen in real-time.

RAT is a type of malware that is very similar to genuine remote access programs. The main variation, of course, is that RATs are installed on a computer without the user's knowledge. Most legitimate remote access software is designed for technical support and file sharing, while RAT is for spying, hacking, or destroying computers.

Like most malware, RATs are embedded in legitimate files. Hackers can attach the RAT to a document via email or in a large software package like a video game.

Advertisements and malicious web pages can also contain RATs, but most browsers prevent websites from automatically downloading or notify you when a site is unsafe.

Unlike some malware and viruses, it can be difficult to determine when you downloaded the RAT.

Generally speaking, RAT doesn't slow down your computer, and hackers don't always impersonate by deleting files or moving the cursor around the screen. In some cases, users infected with RAT do not notice anything bad for years.

But why are RATs so secretive? And how are they useful for hackers?

RATs Work Best When They Go Unnoticed.

Most computer viruses are made for a single object. Keyloggers automatically record whatever you enter, ransomware restricts access to your computer or its files until you pay, and adware spits out questionable ads on your computer for profit.

But RATs are special. They give hackers whole anonymous control over infected computers. As you can imagine, a hacker managing a RAT can do almost anything.

In most cases, RATs are used as spyware. A hacker hungry for money (or just greedy) can use the RAT to retrieve keystrokes and files from an infected computer. These keystrokes and files can contain banking information, passwords, confidential photos, or private conversations.

In addition, hackers can use the RAT to covertly activate a computer's webcam or microphone. The idea of ​​spying on some anonymous nerd is upsetting, but the easiest violation compared to what some hackers do by injecting a victim with a RAT.

Since RATs provide hackers with administrative access to infected computers, they can modify or download any files they want. This means that a RAT hacker could clean your hard drive, download unauthorized content from the Internet through your computer, or place additional malware on your computer. Hackers can also remotely control your computer to carry out illegal activities on the Internet on your behalf or use your home network as a proxy to commit crimes anonymously.

A hacker can also use the RAT to take control of a home network and create a botnet.

Basically, a botnet allows a hacker to use your computer resources to perform often illegal tasks such as DDOS attacks, bitcoin mining, file hosting, and torrenting. Sometimes this technique is used by cybercriminals or during the cyberwar.

A botnet of thousands of computers can produce a lot of bitcoin or destroy large networks with DDOS attacks.

Do Not Worry. RATs Are Easy to Avoid

If you want to avoid RAT, do not download files from sources you cannot trust.

• You shouldn't open email attachments from outsiders (or potential employers)
• You should not download games or software from unofficial websites, and you should not download torrent files unless they are from a trusted source.
• Maintain your browser and operating system up to date with security patches.

Of course, you must turn on antivirus software. Windows Defender comes with your PC (and, frankly, it's excellent antivirus software), but if you need extra protection, you can download commercial antivirus software.

Use Antivirus to Find and Destroy RAT

It is very likely that your computer is not infected with a RAT. If you haven't noticed any strange activity on your computer, then you are probably safe. That being said, it doesn't hurt to check your computer for RAT from time to time.

Since most hackers use well-known RATs (instead of developing their own), antivirus software is the simplest way to find and remove RATs from your computer. They have an extensive, ever-expanding RAT database, so you don't have to worry about your anti-virus software is out of date or messed up.

If you have antivirus running but you still feel paranoid about having a RAT on your PC, you can always format your PC. This is a drastic measure, but the success rate is 100% - barring exotic, highly specialized malware that can infiltrate your computer's UEFI firmware.

It takes a long time to create new RATs that cannot be detected by antivirus software and are usually reserved for use by large corporations, famous people, government officials, and millionaires. If your antivirus software doesn't find the RAT, then you probably don't have a RAT.