Types of Remote Access Trojan (RAT)

Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are a significant and evolving threat in the digital world. These stealthy malware variants grant cybercriminals unauthorized access to a victim’s computer.

Diverse Types of Remote Access Trojans

Basic RATs: Simple and often used by amateur hackers. Example: Beast Trojan, known for its basic remote-control capabilities.

Commercial RATs: More sophisticated and sold on the dark web. Example: BlackShades, which has advanced features like keystroke logging and webcam access.

Banking RATs: Specifically target financial information. Example: Zeus Trojan, notorious for stealing banking credentials.

Mobile RATs: Target smartphones and tablets. Example: SpyNote, which can access messages, calls, and other sensitive data on mobile devices.

Advanced Persistent RATs: Used in targeted attacks for espionage. Example: Gh0st RAT, known for its use in high-profile cyber espionage campaigns.

Here are some notable examples of Remote Access Trojans (RATs), each known for their specific characteristics and methods of operation:

1. DarkComet: One of the most famous RATs, DarkComet allows attackers to control the victim’s computer, access personal information, spy through the webcam, and even disable antivirus programs. It was widely used during the Syrian conflict for surveillance.
2. BlackShades: This RAT gained notoriety for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. It allowed cybercriminals to capture keystrokes, steal passwords, and access files. The BlackShades RAT led to a significant global law enforcement operation in 2014.
3. Poison Ivy: Used in several high-profile attacks, including breaches at major corporations, Poison Ivy gives attackers full control over infected computers. It’s known for its stealth and has been used for corporate espionage.
4. Gh0st RAT: This RAT is infamous for its use in sophisticated cyber espionage campaigns, particularly in attacks attributed to Chinese hacker groups. Gh0st RAT can capture keystrokes, take screenshots, and turn on webcams and microphones.
5. Beast Trojan: An older but still relevant RAT, Beast Trojan is known for its ability to bypass firewall protections and gain full control of the infected machine. It was one of the first RATs to use reverse connections to evade detection.
6. ProRat: Famous for its ability to create a server executable that infects the target machine, ProRat can perform a range of actions from capturing keystrokes to accessing the victim’s webcam.
7. AndroRAT: Specifically targeting Android devices, AndroRAT can be bundled with legitimate apps and then used to secretly control the device, access personal information, and monitor user activity.
8. Pandora RAT: This is a lesser-known but still dangerous RAT, capable of keylogging, taking screenshots, and downloading and executing additional malware.
9. NetWire RAT: Active for over a decade, NetWire is a cross-platform RAT that targets Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android systems. It’s known for its persistence and has been used in various fraud and cybercrime operations.
10. Flame (or Flamer): While more of a sophisticated malware suite than a traditional RAT, Flame has RAT-like capabilities. It was used for cyber espionage in the Middle East and is notable for its complexity and modular architecture.

See also related articles:

1. Protecting Your Personal Computer from Remote Access Trojans
2. Comprehensive Guide to Removing Malware and Viruses from your Computer
3. How to Remove Malware and Viruses?
4. Types of Malware and How They Infect Your Computer