I am starting a new series of blog posts, where I will upload a new quick read on Sundays. This week’s topic is the basics of what a RAT is. A Remote Access Trojan or Tool (RAT) is a malware program that includes a backdoor for administrative control over a target computer. RATs can be bundled with files of all kinds, such as pictures, games, or application install files. Usually, having an antivirus can detect if any malicious files or code has been downloaded to your machine. Often times however, these clever hackers bypass it using a method called crypting, which scrambles the code of the program and makes it invisible to the computer. Once the RAT is activated, it maintains a low profile on the computer. It lurks until it receives commands from the attackers computer. Attackers have the power to do things such as track keystrokes, take pictures/videos with the webcam, steal passwords, or install other software. This is all done without the user knowing, which makes the tool very powerful and dangerous. There are a multitude of these free RATs that can be downloaded online, which themselves can have a lot of malware on them. Make sure to avoid them at all costs. Only download files from trusted sources online. Be sure to keep your eye out for any suspicious files and have a decent antivirus installed, because it could save you from getting attacked by this common method.