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RATs: Remote Access Trojans and how to help avoid them
Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are malicious software programs that enable criminals to control your computer through your Internet connection. A RAT can let a criminal view and change your computer's files and functions, monitor and record your activities, and use your computer to attack other computers. Additionally, RATs allow criminals to do these things without your knowledge.
How RATs get on your computer
RATs often come hidden in illicit software and other files and programs that you might download from the Internet. They can also appear in e-mail or instant messages disguised as attachments such as funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. If you click the attachments to open them, a RAT might be secretly downloaded as well. Sometimes a RAT can even get on your computer without any action from you, by taking advantage of vulnerabilities in software or the Internet.
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What can a RAT do?Expose you to scams.Find your filesRecord your typingCapture video and audioRun or end a program, process, or connectionCreate pop-upsAttack other computers. Some RATs are used to form "zombie armies," which are large groups of computers that criminals control to perform tasks such as overwhelming servers with messages, or spreading viruses or spyware.
How to help keep RATs awayPractice safe online communication. Only share your primary e-mail address with people you know. Avoid listing your e-mail address in large Internet directories and job-posting Web sites, and be careful when you join online user groups. Don't open attachments in e-mail or instant messages unless you're sure what they are and who they're from. Read the dos and don'ts of dealing with suspicious e-mail.Use trusted software from reputable companies.Keep your computer up to date. Visit Microsoft Update to help make sure you've got the latest updates for your computer. If you're not sure what you need, see Microsoft Update, Automatic Updates, Windows Update, Office Update: Frequently asked questionsUse current security software and keep it up to date. You should have antivirus, firewall, and antispyware software installed on your computer. If you don't have security software, various offerings are available in free and trial versions on the downloads page. Learn more about viruses, firewalls, and spyware.
Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are malicious software programs that enable criminals to control your computer through your Internet connection. A RAT can let a criminal view and change your computer's files and functions, monitor and record your activities, and use your computer to attack other computers. Additionally, RATs allow criminals to do these things without your knowledge.
How RATs get on your computer
RATs often come hidden in illicit software and other files and programs that you might download from the Internet. They can also appear in e-mail or instant messages disguised as attachments such as funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. If you click the attachments to open them, a RAT might be secretly downloaded as well. Sometimes a RAT can even get on your computer without any action from you, by taking advantage of vulnerabilities in software or the Internet.
Top of pageWhat can a RAT do?Expose you to scams.Find your filesRecord your typingCapture video and audioRun or end a program, process, or connectionCreate pop-upsAttack other computers. Some RATs are used to form "zombie armies," which are large groups of computers that criminals control to perform tasks such as overwhelming servers with messages, or spreading viruses or spyware.
How to help keep RATs awayPractice safe online communication. Only share your primary e-mail address with people you know. Avoid listing your e-mail address in large Internet directories and job-posting Web sites, and be careful when you join online user groups. Don't open attachments in e-mail or instant messages unless you're sure what they are and who they're from. Read the dos and don'ts of dealing with suspicious e-mail.Use trusted software from reputable companies.Keep your computer up to date. Visit Microsoft Update to help make sure you've got the latest updates for your computer. If you're not sure what you need, see Microsoft Update, Automatic Updates, Windows Update, Office Update: Frequently asked questionsUse current security software and keep it up to date. You should have antivirus, firewall, and antispyware software installed on your computer. If you don't have security software, various offerings are available in free and trial versions on the downloads page. Learn more about viruses, firewalls, and spyware.
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