Remote Access Trojans (RATS) – Solution for RATs in 2025

A Remote Access Trojans (RATs) allows a threat actor to control a computer remotely. It operates similarly to a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and TeamViewer to obtain remote access over a system and have system administration with privileges.

A RAT is a form of malware. It spreads through email attachments or hosting on a malicious website. In some cases, threat actors exploit vulnerabilities to deploy a RAT.

What is a RAT?

Once RAT deploys, it creates a command & control (C2) channel with the threat actor’s server. The attacker controls it remotely using the C2 channel to send commands to the RAT. It also boasts several in-built commands and ways to conceal traffic from detection.

An attacker might also configure a RAT, equipping it with additional capabilities. For instance, an attacker might obtain initial access to the victim’s system using a RAT. They might later decide to install adware on the infected device. The RAT might have adware as an additional in-built feature.

A RAT is a dangerous malware because it gives an attacker complete control over a compromised system. Most RATS function similarly to legitimate remote system administration tools, with the attacker seeing and controlling the infected machine.

How RATs Work: Technical Breakdown

Remote Access Trojans (RATs) employ sophisticated techniques to maintain stealth and control:

• Command & Control (C2) Infrastructure
  • RATs beacon to attacker-controlled servers (often using HTTPS or DNS tunneling to evade detection)
  • Example: NjRAT uses dynamic DNS domains for resilient C2 connections
• Persistence Mechanisms
  • Registry modifications (HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run)
  • DLL injection into legitimate processes (e.g., explorer.exe, svchost.exe)
  • Scheduled tasks (e.g., daily “Windows Update” task running malicious payloads)
• Evasion Tactics
  • Process hollowing (executes malicious code within a suspended legitimate process)
  • Rootkit capabilities (hides files/processes from Task Manager)
  • Encrypted C2 traffic (mimics legitimate cloud service traffic)

Pro Tip:

“Advanced RATs like QuasarRAT use reflective DLL injection – loading malicious code directly into memory without touching the disk.”

Examples of Remote Access Trojans 

One example of a known RAT exploit is Poison Ivy. This RAT infiltrates the device using malicious email attachments and exploiting flaws. Poison Ivy has keylogging capabilities. Attackers might also use this RAT as a proxy server to maintain anonymity while browsing the web.

• Back Orifice: This is also a popular RAT. This RAT has been in existence since 1998. Hackers initially built this RAT as a proof-of-concept tool to exploit flaws in the Windows operating system.
• Sakula: A RAT linked to the APT19 hacking group. It deploys malware targeting government agencies, technology firms, and defense contractors.
• Remcos RAT: This RAT, which stands for Remote Control and Surveillance, is a newer, highly flexible RAT used by cybercriminals. It allows attackers to monitor the system, capture webcam footage, and even record audio from the infected device. It’s often sold on dark web forums to other cybercriminals for use in phishing campaigns and targeted attacks.
• njRAT: Another RAT gaining popularity in recent years, njRAT is typically spread through phishing emails. It can perform a variety of malicious activities, including controlling the system, capturing keystrokes, and stealing sensitive files.

In 2025, Poison Ivy RAT was notably used in an attack against an international finance firm, exfiltrating sensitive data over several months before being detected.

Real-World RAT Attack Case Studies

Case 1: SUNBURST RAT (SolarWinds Hack, 2020)

• Target: 18,000+ SolarWinds customers (including US Treasury)
• Tactic: Compromised software update chain
• Impact: 9+ months of undetected network access

Case 2: DarkComet in Syrian Civil War

• Target: Activists and journalists
• Tactic: Fake “protest planning” documents
• Capabilities: Webcam spying, file theft, and microphone recording

Case 3: njRAT COVID-19 Scams (2021)

• Vector: Fake “vaccine registration” Excel files
• Payload: Stole banking credentials and deployed ransomware

Key Stat:

“The FBI reported a 300% increase in RAT attacks during COVID-19 lockdowns.”

How to Detect Remote Access Trojans

Sometimes, anti-malware software might fail to detect a RAT infection because of its stealthy operation. Below are possible signs of compromise to watch out for:

• Device lagging – RATs use your device’s processing power despite operating in the background. Therefore, you should scan for malware if your device suddenly becomes slow.
• Suspicious files – Watch out for suspicious files or programs you do not recall downloading or installing.
• Frequent website redirects – If your browser constantly redirects you, it could be a tell-tale sign of infection.
• Antivirus program crashes – When an antivirus program constantly crashes or has a slow response, it might be a sign of infection.

Step-by-Step RAT Removal Guide Right Now (2025)

1. Immediate Isolation
   • Disconnect from all networks (Wi-Fi/Ethernet)
   • Disable Bluetooth/Wi-Fi physically if possible
2. Forensic Data Collection
   • Run netstat -ano to identify suspicious connections
   • Export process list via tasklist /svc > processes.txt
3. Scanning Tools
   • First Pass: Malwarebytes (quick scan)
   • Second Pass: Kaspersky TDSSKiller (rootkit detection)
   • Third Pass: Norton Power Eraser (aggressive detection)
4. Manual Cleanup
   • Check %AppData%\Roaming for suspicious DLLs
   • Review scheduled tasks via schtasks /query /fo LIST
5. Nuclear Option
   • Wipe and reinstall OS from clean USB media

Warning:

“If the RAT has BIOS/UEFI persistence (e.g., LoJax), firmware reflashing is required.”

How To Protect Yourself Against Remote Access Trojans

Enterprise-Grade RAT Prevention

For Home Users:

• Use GlassWire to monitor network traffic
• Enable Windows Defender Attack Surface Reduction rules

Some safety measures to protect yourself against RATs include:

• Update your software – Always ensure your software is up-to-date to solve any patches that hackers might exploit to infect your device.
• Get a good antivirus program – Get a reliable antivirus program and firewall. Update these security tools regularly to detect harmful viruses before they cause damage.
• Be cautious of phishing emails – Attackers use phishing emails to distribute RATs. These emails usually contain malicious links and attachments to malicious web pages that open a backdoor for RATS.
• Use multi-factor authentication – Multi-factor authentication guarantees additional security. This system must authenticate categories like biometrics, security tokens, and SMS codes.

Conclusion

Remote Access Trojans (RATS) are a popular form of malware. It is stealthy and allows attackers to control the victim’s computer remotely. Sometimes, RATS contain additional functionality like a keylogger or adware. Detecting and removing a RAT manually can be a difficult and daunting task. Users should turn to antivirus programs to keep their systems secure.

FAQs

Glossary Section

• Phishing: A type of social engineering attack in which attackers impersonate legitimate institutions to steal personal data, such as usernames and passwords.
• C2 Channel: A communication link between an infected device and an attacker’s remote server, used for issuing commands.
• Keylogger: A type of malware that records every keystroke a user types, often used to capture sensitive data like passwords.