Remote Access Trojans (RAT) have always proved to be a big risk to this world when it comes to hijacking a computer or just playing a prank with a friend. A RAT is malicious software that lets the operator attack a computer and gain unauthorized remote access to it. RATs have been here for years, and they persist as finding some RATs is a difficult task even for the modern Antivirus software out there.
In this post, we will see what a remote access trojan is and talk about the detection & removal techniques available. It also explains, in short, some of the common RATs like CyberGate, DarkComet, Optix, Shark, Havex, ComRat, VorteX Rat, Sakula, and KjW0rm.
What are Remote Access Trojans
Most of the Remote Access Trojan are downloaded in malicious emails, unauthorized programs and web links that take you nowhere. RATs are not simple like Keylogger programs – they provide the attacker with a lot of capabilities such as:
- Keylogging: Your keystrokes could be monitored, and usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information could be recovered from it.
- Screen Capture: Screenshots can be obtained to see what is going on your computer.
- Hardware Media Capture: RATs can take access to your webcam and mic to record you and your surroundings completely violating privacy.
- Administration Rights: The attacker may change any settings, modify registry values and do a lot more to your computer without your permission. RAT can provide administrator-level privileges to the attacker.
- Overclocking: The attacker may increase processor speeds. Overclocking the system can harm the hardware components and eventually burn them to ashes.
- Other system-specific capabilities: The attacker can access anything on your computer, including your files, passwords, chats, and more.
How do Remote Access Trojans work
Remote Access Trojans come in a server-client configuration. The server is covertly installed on the victim’s PC, and the client can access the victim’s PC through a GUI or a command interface. A link between the server and the client is opened on a specific port, and encrypted or plain communication can happen between the server and the client. If the network and packets sent/received are monitored properly, RATs can be identified and removed.
RAT attack Prevention
RATs make their way to computers from spam emails, maliciously programmed software or they come packed as a part of some other software or application. You must always have a good antivirus program installed on your computer that can detect and eliminate RATs. Detecting RATs is quite a difficult task as they are installed under a random name that may seem like any other common application, and so you need to have a really good Antivirus program for that.
Monitoring your network can also be a good way to detect Trojans sending personal data over the Internet.
If you don’t use Remote Administration Tools, disable Remote Assistance connections to your computer. You will get the setting in SystemProperties > Remote tab > Uncheck Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer option.
Keep your operating system, installed software and particularly security programs updated at all times. Also, try not to click on emails that you don’t trust and are from an unknown source. Do not download software from sources other than its official website or mirror.
After the RAT attack
Once you know you’ve been attacked, the first step is to disconnect your system from the Internet and the Network if you are connected. Change all your passwords and other sensitive information and check if any of your accounts have been compromised using another clean computer. Check your bank accounts for any fraudulent transactions and immediately inform your bank about the Trojan in your computer. Then scan the computer for issues and seek professional help for removing the RAT. Consider closing Port 80. Use a Firewall Port Scanner to check all your Ports.
You can even try to backtrack and know who was behind the attack, but you’ll need professional help. RATs can usually be removed once they are detected, or you can have a fresh installation of Windows to completely remove it off.
Common Remote Access Trojans
Many Remote Access Trojans are currently active now and infecting millions of devices. The most notorious ones are discussed here in this article:
- Sub7: ‘Sub7’, derived by spelling NetBus (an older RAT) backward, is a free remote administration tool that lets you control the host PC. Security experts have categorized the tool as a Trojan, and it can be potentially risky to have it on your computer.
- Back Orifice: Back Orifice 2000 is a free tool that was originally meant for remote administration – but it didn’t take time for the tool to get converted into a Remote Access Trojan. There has been a controversy that this tool is a Trojan, but developers stand upon the fact that it is a legitimate tool that provides remote administration access. The program is now identified as malware by most of antivirus programs.
- DarkComet: It is a very extensible remote administration tool with many features that could be used for spying. The tool also has links to the Syrian Civil War, where it is reported that the Government used it to spy on civilians. The tool has already been misused extensively, and the developers have stopped its further development.
- sharK: It is an advanced remote administration tool. Not meant for beginners and amateur hackers. It is said to be a tool for security professionals and advanced users.
- Havex: This trojan has been extensively used against the industrial sector. It collects information, including the presence of any Industrial Control System, and then passes it on to remote websites.
- Sakula: A remote access Trojan that comes in an installer of your choice. It will depict that it is installing some tool on your computer but will install the malware.
- KjW0rm: This Trojan has many capabilities but is already marked as a threat by many Antivirus tools.
These Remote Access Trojans have helped many hackers compromise millions of computers. Protection against these tools is a must, and a good security program with an alert user is all it takes to prevent these Trojans from compromising your computer.
This post was meant to be an informative article about RATs and does not in any way promote their usage. There may be some legal laws about using such tools in your country.
Read more about Remote Administration Tools here.
