What Is A Remote Access Trojan (RAT)?

What is a Remote Access Trojan Exactly?

So, a Remote Access Trojan is basically malware that lets attackers access the victim’s infected computer, local files, view emails and chats, monitor log files, and even take screenshots among many other things all with malicious intent behind it, like stealing data (for example, stealing financial accounts)

The bottom line, a RAT gives the attacker administrative access to the infected computer remotely and exploits its weaknesses in any way he chooses that helps achieve his original goals.

The term remote access trojan (RAT) can be considered a synonym for “backdoor.”

Still, it usually signifies a complete bundle, including a client application for installation on the target system and a target server component that allows administrative control of the individual ‘bots’ or compromised systems.

A backdoor is an application allowing remote access to a targeted computer (victim machine). The difference between this type of malware and a legitimate application with similar functionality is that the installation is done without the user’s knowledge.

The typical backdoor application includes malicious functionality that allows the intruders:

• avoid detection,
• monitor user behavior,
• monitor network traffic,
• send files to the infected,
• execute files and commands, and exfiltrate (sending) files and documents from the user’s computer back to the attacker.

This is often coupled with key-logging and screen-grabbing functionality for spying and data theft.

Once the remote access trojan has been installed on your device, a hacker group can wreak havoc on your computer. They could steal your personal information, lock you out of your infected computer, install other malware, or even render your devices useless for good.

They could also use well-designed RAT programs to do anything that they would be able to do if they had physical access to the device, including accessing sensitive files, or even the computer’s camera, installing malware, etc.

Why are Remote Access Trojans Dangerous?

Remote access trojans are dangerous and pose a serious threat because they are usually very difficult to detect in operating systems. They don’t show up on the currently running programs list, or on the task manager. Since they look like legitimate applications, even people with tech backgrounds can suffer RAT attacks and end up with infected machine. Knowing that RAT provides a backdoor and gives administrative control, you must be aware that intruder can do whatever he wants with the compromised system.

Since RAT software can do targeted attacks, you need to watch out for any remote command activity and start thinking about using some anti-malware software. The average user can’t really notice rat attacks, but any unusual computer behaviour (command and control not done by the user) is a good sign of infected machines.

Remote access Trojans (RATs) are a type of malware that can grant hackers unauthorized access to victims’ computers, compromising sensitive data. They can also be used for remote file storage and for monitoring network traffic, giving attackers the ability to control user access and infiltrate systems to access sensitive data. Effective user access control can help prevent such attacks, and organizations should take steps to secure connections and their systems against RATs and other forms of malware.

Now that you know what is a remote access trojan and how dangerous it can be, do everything you can to avoid unauthorized remote access by using antivirus software or an intrusion detection system.

Common Examples of RATs

• Back Orifice: developed by the Cult of the Dead Cow to expose Windows OS vulnerabilities
• Beast: still targets old and new Windows systems today
• Sakula: used to execute commands and download additional components
• Blackshades: spreads through social media and creates botnets for DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks which also cause network performance degradation
• CrossRAT: targets various OSes and is difficult to detect
• Saefko: written in .NET, steals cryptocurrency transaction data
• Mirage: run by a Chinese hacking group, carries out data exfiltration against military and government targets.

How to fight back against a RAT?

Taking proper security measures is the first line of defense for protecting yourself from these remote access trojans such as avoiding downloading files from unknown sources. That includes torrent files and clicking on any other malware rich links.

This way you prevent exposing yourself to any type of malware attack by hackers and avoid complete administrative control.

Additionally, you should also never postpone installing the latest updates for your operating system, browser, or security applications (like antivirus software). This will help towards preventing any unauthorized software intrusions.

This is just a list of basic security tips everyone using a computer with legitimate access to the internet should follow in order to implement proper security measures. In order to avoid a RAT attack, especially if you own multiple computers, you need to be aware of the advanced persistent threat.

Organizations can also deploy more stringent rules such as strict firewall settings and safelisting IP addresses. In the end, the strongest security option will be a robust software security regimen that can help monitor any suspicious behavior and block software intrusions that have slipped past firewalls, antivirus programs, and other security countermeasures.

Introduction To Remote Support Software

Remote support software allows technicians or support teams to remotely connect to a target computer or mobile device to access sensitive resources and perform certain operations. 

A remote desktop software solution works on a client-server model. A communication protocol called Remote Desktop Protocol (RPD) is required to establish a secure connection between a client and a server.

All the computing processes occur on the server machine, and the changes are displayed in the client device’s user interface (UI).

A server processes the commands sent by clients and performs operations on the client’s local device in real time.

IT teams have traditionally used remote support software; however, with the rise of work-from-home policies, more and more couples use remote access tools.

Typically, users who cannot connect their devices usually go to the IT department for assistance. Still, with remote support solutions, a technician can instantly establish a connection with user devices through a cloud gateway from anywhere in the world using virtual access.

Once the connection is established, the technician will gain complete control and examines the problem, and performs different tasks like troubleshooting issues, installing updates, and debugging the remote system from their console.

Knowing The Difference Between A RAT And RSS

A remote administration tool (RAT) and a remote support software (RSS) tool behave similarly. Both establish remote access to the endpoint or server for the support persona to take control and execute various commands.

A RAT installation most likely came through a hostile channel. The hackers could have used a phishing email with a URL with the rat code attached. When the unsuspected user clicks on the link, the payload is delivered and begins to communicate to the rogue command and remotely control server.

Added contrast, remote support software tools typically are either pushed down by IT operations or labeled as approved software. The RSS package allows the firewall and endpoint security listed as approved for use. Like a RAT, the RSS can upload and download files, run systems check, and even grant full access to the design for the IT helpdesk personnel to control. With a RAT, the remote hacker has full access to several functions on the infected system, including:

• Monitoring 
• Execute commands
• Turn on the camera on the device
• Download, delete, or alter files and file systems
• Format Drives

Are Remote Access Trojans Illegal?

Not all remote access is illegal. Remote access tools are usually used for IT support purposes within corporate environments. But using them for illegal purposes is a different story.

Spotting a Remote Access Trojan Coming Through the Email Channel

RAT tools often are delivered by email to unsuspected users. Well-crafted emails encourage users to click on a link, access an attachment, or simply hit reply to the email, potentially executing malicious code leading to remote access trojan installation.

The KEDI RAT spotted in the Internet wild in 2018 leveraged the email channel to perform data exfiltration. When receiving instructions from the company’s C&C, Kedi navigated to the inbox, found the last unread message there, grabbed content from the message body (the command), and parsed the knowledge from this content. It then adds the encoded message data to the original message. Finally, it sends the message.

This RAT has all the characteristics, including:

• Anti-sandbox Evading 
• The ability to extract and run embedded secondary payloads
• File download/upload backdoors
• Screenshot grabbing
• Keyloggers
• The ability to extract usernames, computer names, and domains

The Role of Email Security and Data Loss Prevention

The Problem with Unsecured Outbound Emails

Hackers access unsecured outbound emails to learn how your users communicate. Cybercriminals watch your outbound email for the keys to the castle. They employ a variety of multi-stage email ploys containing sophisticated stories and buildups to log into enterprise online accounts or acquire unintended fund transfers.

Delivering excellent customer experiences through collaborating across business lines.

How Does Trustifi’s Inbound Shield Protect You from RAT Malware Attacks?

Trustifi provides comprehensive protection against cyber threats to an organization’s email system. Trustifi features the Inbound Shield that acts as an email filter.

As soon as Trustifi’s Inbound Shield is deployed to your company’s email system, sophisticated AI software begins scanning every email received by your server.

Each incoming email is placed in a sandbox where Inbound Shield’s multi-layered detection inspects everything about the email, including the sender, email subject, content, links, and attachments. An email must pass all tests at each layer to be deemed safe.

The email is scanned in 3 parts and has a unique and advanced approach for each detail.

Email Content and Headers

• AI detects and classifies BEC, VEC, Spam, and GRAY.
• Header analysis detects spoofing and impersonation techniques.

Links – Advanced Methods to Catch the Most Sophisticated Phishing Sites

• Deep analysis based on content, metadata, and domain reputation.
• Proprietary method to catch zero-day phishing sites.

Files – Deep Scanning

• Detects and neutralizes links inside files.
• Searches zipped and archived files.
• Sandboxes all messages until they are determined safe.
• Seeks out Trojans, viruses, and RAT malware.

Suspicious Remote Control Activity Detection

Trustifi can detect when a user’s email-sending patterns have drastically changed, indicating someone has taken over their mailbox.

Automated Alerts to System Administrators

Administrators receive automated alerts when suspicious activity is detected to swiftly analyze the situation and make a decision regarding the user.

The Trustifi Outbound Shield™ automatically scans and encrypts outgoing email messages according to administrators’ policies, so any emails that contain sensitive information are automatically secured.

Groundbreaking Technology Supporting Optical Character Recognition Technology

Trustifi’s OCR technology uses machine learning to scan email attachments such as images and PDF files. It also recognizes elements such as a credit card scan or a screenshot of a financial statement and categorizes those attachments as sensitive. 

The attachment files are automatically encrypted, reducing the opportunity for employees/individuals to transmit unprotected confidential material mistakenly.

Emails Get Automatically Scanned

The system automatically scans outgoing emails, applies the rules your administrator sets, and then finds the email encryption with no input from the user. 

This ensures that sensitive data and attachments are not at risk before they reach their intended recipient and are protected from the prying eyes of hackers.

Culture

Trustifi’s email security services feature a comprehensive suite of email tools for advanced threat protection, easily configurable Data Loss Prevention and enterprise email encryption.

Trustifi’s easy-to-use software is unmatched in its user-friendliness, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, which makes it ideal for fighting remote access trojans. Trustifi’s time to value, ease of deployment, and lower cost of ownership for SecOps make the company culture secure and a financial match for any client seeking email security, data exfiltration, and message encryption.

Why use Trustifi to Fight Remote Access Trojans?

Trustifi is a cyber security firm featuring solutions delivered on software as a service platform. Trustifi leads the market with the easiest-to-use and deploys email security products, providing both inbound and outbound email security from a single vendor. We protect your confidential data from the most dangerous malware infections, which can come from remote access trojan (RAT).

As a global cybersecurity provider of both inbound and outbound email protection, Trustifi currently supports customers from countries including the USA, Canada, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, the UK, the Netherlands, India, the UAE, China, Japan, Cyprus, the Philippines, and more. The company has also developed “One-Click Compliance” capabilities that cater to world security regulations, including PDPO for Hong Kong, POPI for South Africa, GDPR for Europe, and LGPD for Brazil.