Coverage of remote access trojans examines malware controlling compromised devices, including incidents, analysis, infrastructure, disruption, and defenses.
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Background for this topic.
A remote access trojan (RAT) is malware that gives an unauthorized operator remote control over an infected device. Depending on its design, it may execute commands, browse or copy files, log keystrokes, capture screens, or use a microphone or camera. RATs commonly communicate with attacker-controlled command-and-control infrastructure; capabilities and persistence vary, so reporting should identify the specific family or tool rather than assume every RAT has the same functions.
The main concerns are covert access, exposure of sensitive data, and use of the host to deploy additional malware or alter systems. Defenders should monitor endpoint processes and network behavior, restrict unnecessary outbound connections, keep software patched, and use endpoint controls that can detect unusual remote-control activity. If a RAT is suspected, isolate the device, preserve relevant logs and malware samples, investigate related accounts and hosts, and rotate credentials after containment; blocking one server alone may not remove persistence.
A new multi-stage phishing campaign has been observed targeting users in Russia with ransomware and a remote access trojan called Amnesia RAT
Most of this week’s threats didn’t rely on new tricks. They relied on familiar systems behaving exactly as designed, just in the wrong hands. Ordinary files, routine services, and trusted workflows were enough to open doors without forcing them
The attack consists of a NexShield malicious browser extension, a social engineering technique to crash the browser, and a Python-based RAT.
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a new phishing campaign that exploits social media private messages to propagate malicious payloads, likely with the intent to deploy a remote access trojan (RAT)
Cybersecurity researchers have disclosed details of an ongoing campaign dubbed KongTuke that used a malicious Google Chrome extension masquerading as an ad blocker to deliberately crash the web browser and trick victims into running arbitrary commands using ClickFix-like lures to deliver a previously undocumented remote access trojan (RAT) dubbed ModeloRAT