A remote access Trojan (RAT) is malware that gives an attacker covert or unauthorized access to a computer. Depending on the RAT, an attacker may monitor activity, steal credentials, copy files, change settings, or use the compromised device to reach other systems. If you suspect one is installed, use a separate, clean device to protect your accounts and arrange a full malware scan.
What is a RAT virus?
A remote access Trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself or arrives through deception, then provides an attacker with remote access to the infected computer. The term “Trojan” describes the deceptive delivery or appearance; “remote access” describes the control the malware enables. Unlike spyware or a keylogger alone, the defining feature of a RAT is its remote-control capability. A RAT may also include spyware or keylogging functions. Malwarebytes’ RAT explainer describes the category and its capabilities.
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RATs are not all identical. What a particular infection can do depends on its family and configuration, so the presence of a RAT does not mean every possible capability is active.
What does a remote access Trojan do?
Depending on the malware, remote access can let an attacker monitor a user, browse or copy files, alter settings, or use the computer as a foothold for further access. A RAT may also collect keystrokes, usernames and passwords, screenshots, browser history, email, or chat data. Some can use the infected computer’s bandwidth or reach connected systems. These are possible capabilities, not a checklist that applies to every RAT. Malwarebytes lists these behaviors in its RAT overview.
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Capabilities vary by malware family
For example, Malwarebytes describes the Windows-targeting Backdoor.AveMaria as capable of remote desktop access, keylogging, privilege escalation, and password theft. That example illustrates why the name of a malware family matters; it should not be taken to mean all RATs have the same features. The Backdoor.AveMaria threat page also warns of stolen system information or credentials and possible follow-on compromise.
How do RATs get on your computer?
RATs can arrive through deceptive email attachments or links, downloads, torrent files, or social engineering. A malicious file may impersonate legitimate software, be bundled with cracked applications or freeware, or use a misleading filename or extension. Some attacks also rely on temporary physical access to the device. Malwarebytes’ RAT overview and its Trojan reference describe these routes.
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A reported 2026 example: a file disguised as a PDF
In a campaign Malwarebytes researcher Pieter Arntz reported on February 5, 2026, a linked file appeared to be a PDF but was actually a virtual hard disk. Opening it mounted a drive containing a Windows Script File; the script executed and injected AsyncRAT shellcode into trusted processes. The report describes potential password theft, file access, surveillance, and use of the computer as a foothold against other devices. This was one documented campaign, not evidence that ordinary PDF files or virtual disks are inherently malicious. Read the campaign report.
How can I tell if someone has remote access to my computer?
There is no single symptom that confirms a RAT. Unexpected activity can have many causes, and a RAT may try to remain hidden. Treat unexplained changes or account activity as a reason to investigate rather than proof of infection.
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- Look for unexpected account sign-ins, password-reset notices, or messages sent from your accounts.
- Notice unexplained changes to system settings, unfamiliar software, or activity you cannot account for.
- Take reports of unusual file access or activity on connected devices seriously, especially if a security tool has detected malware.
If a scan detects a threat, follow the security tool’s quarantine or remediation instructions. A clean result from one scan is not a guarantee that the computer is clean; if suspicious activity continues, seek help from a trusted IT professional or your organization’s security team.
How do I reduce the risk of a RAT infection?
Check unexpected files before opening them
Verify an unexpected attachment or link with the supposed sender using a trusted contact method, such as a phone number you already know. Do not rely on replying to the suspicious message itself. A familiar sender name or filename does not establish that a file is safe.
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Make file extensions visible
Visible extensions can make misleading names such as invoice.pdf.vhd easier to spot. In Windows 10, open File Explorer and choose View > File name extensions. In Windows 11, use View > Show > File name extensions. This helps reveal a file’s actual extension, but it does not by itself determine whether a file is safe. Malwarebytes documents these steps in its 2026 campaign report.
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- Download software from its producer’s official site rather than unauthorized mirrors; avoid cracked applications and unknown downloads.
- Keep a real-time anti-malware solution current. Malwarebytes recommends protection that can detect threats hiding in memory in its report on the AsyncRAT campaign. No tool can guarantee prevention or detection of every threat.
Malwarebytes’ Trojan guidance also recommends trusted downloads and a full scan with automated anti-malware when a Trojan is suspected.
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What should I do if I clicked a suspicious attachment?
Clicking a file or link does not by itself prove that the computer is infected. If you opened or ran a suspicious attachment, however, respond promptly and avoid using the potentially affected device to secure important accounts.
- Stop interacting with the suspicious file. Do not open it again or enter passwords into prompts it triggered.
- Use a separate, clean device for account protection. If compromise is suspected, change relevant passwords and usernames from that device, starting with important email and financial accounts. Use unique passwords and review account activity where available.
- Run a full scan. Use an up-to-date anti-malware tool to scan the affected computer, then follow its quarantine or remediation instructions. A scan result alone cannot prove there are no remaining threats.
- Tell the right support contact. If the device belongs to or is managed by an organization, notify its IT or security administrator rather than trying to investigate or clean it on your own.
Malwarebytes advises treating personal information accessed on a compromised machine as potentially exposed and changing relevant credentials from a clean computer. Its Trojan guidance recommends a full scan with automated anti-malware. RAT response guidance · Trojan scan and prevention guidance
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