 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 do these things without your knowledge. How RATs get on your computerRATs 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. What can a RAT do?A RAT provides remote control over your computer through your Internet connection. Criminals can use this ability to: | • | Expose you to scams. Some RAT programs can trick your computer into thinking that a fraudulent Web site is actually a Web site that you trust (such as an online banking site). Passwords and other information that you enter on the fraudulent site can be used to steal your money or identity. | | • | Find your files and view, copy, alter, or delete them. RATs can be programmed to do this once or to perform these tasks automatically each time you restart your computer. | | • | Record your typing and send that information to another computer. Criminals process this information through special software to help them find the user names and passwords that you've typed on your computer. | | • | Capture video and audio from devices that you've connected to your computer, save the media as files, and send them to the criminal's computer. | | • | Run or end a program, process, or connection on your computer. | | • | Create pop-ups that appear on your screen to annoy you or trick you into connecting to malicious Web sites. | | • | Attack 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 away| • | Practice 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. The Internet is full of software that offers fun or valuable functionality for little or no money. But the true cost is sometimes hidden in the malicious software that can come hidden in these programs. Check carefully before you run, download, or use any software that doesn't come from well-known, trustworthy sources. | | • | 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 questions. | | • | Use 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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