 Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are malicious software programs that criminals can use 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 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 or links to funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. If you click the attachments or links to open them, a RAT might be secretly downloaded. 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 How to handle 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. | | • | Use a firewall
A firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that can help screen out RATS or other malicious software. If you use Windows Vista or Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) you have a firewall built-in and turned on by default. If you don't use those operating systems, see How to turn on your firewall.
| | • | 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 and other services: Frequently asked questions.
| | • | Use antivirus software and keep it up to date. Antivirus software can help protect against som RATS. If you use Windows Vista or Windows XP, you can try Windows Live OneCare free for 90 days. If you use an older operating system, see How to get antivirus software. | | • | Use antispyware software and keep it up to date. Antispyware software, such as Windows Defender can offer protection from some RATS. Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista. If you use Windows XP SP2, you can download Windows Defender for no charge.
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