What are RATs: What to Do to Avoid Them

On the web we can run into many threats that can damage our computers and compromise privacy. Many types of attacks that in one way or another infect systems and compromise security. In this article we are going to focus on explaining what a RAT is . Let’s talk about how it can affect security and, most importantly, what to do to protect ourselves.

What is a RAT

When we talk about RAT we refer to tools that can be used to remotely control and manage a system or device. At first this does not mean that it is a problem. It does not mean that we are facing a threat that is used for criminal purposes.

What are RATs: What to Do to Avoid Them

However, maliciously used RATs can represent a significant security problem. They are Trojans that open a back door on your computer and can control it.

The latter that we mention is also known as remote access Trojans . These are usually applications and tools that seem legitimate, that show no sign that they can compromise our systems, but that are actually malicious. This type of software contains malware that can be unintentionally downloaded onto the system by users.

It is once it has been downloaded and run on the computer that the attackers have control over it. They can fully manage that infected computer.

Ataques RAT

How RATs Attack

It should be noted that RATs tend to hide in files that appear legitimate. They thus take advantage of the opportunity to enter the system to take control of a team.

Usually this type of threat arrives together with other software downloaded by the victim . For example, it comes with a program that we have downloaded from the Internet, a game or even attachments that come to us by email.

Therefore we can say that it attacks in very different ways. He is able to reach a team without leaving any kind of trace . This means that the victim could be infected for a long time and never know. You are not going to experience any noticeable changes to your system, which makes it a very dangerous problem.

The way to act on malicious RATs once they have infected a computer is to remotely gain control and access to that device or network, spy and obtain information from the victim. Basically they can achieve total control over a computer as if they were using it in person.

Among all that a RAT could achieve we can mention turning on the microphone or webcam.

Mozi, una nueva amenaza en forma de malware

How to avoid falling victim to malicious RATs

Without a doubt, the most important thing is to avoid being victims of this problem that can put our security at risk. Luckily we can take into account certain aspects in our day to day.

Security tools

One of the issues that we must take into account to avoid being victims of malicious RATs is to have security tools. A good antivirus can prevent the entry of all types of malware that in one way or another can affect our computers.

This is something that we must apply regardless of the type of device or operating system that we are using. We need to always have software installed that can protect us.

Strong passwords and enable two-step authentication

It is also very important to always protect our equipment correctly. For this, one of the main barriers is having passwords that are strong and complex. They must contain letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and other special symbols. All this always with a suitable length.

But in addition, there are more and more options we have to protect our accounts and one of them is two-step authentication. As we know, this can prevent possible intruders from accessing even having the password. They would need a second step.

Keeping equipment updated

On many occasions, vulnerabilities arise that are exploited by hackers to carry out their attacks. It is essential that we always have the latest patches and avoid these problems.

Common sense

Last but surely the most important thing, common sense must always be present. As we have seen, many of these threats come after mistakes made by users. For example, opening a malicious file that comes to us by mail. We must therefore avoid this type of action.