RAT
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Cybersecurity
| Stands for | Remote access trojan |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
RAT stands for Remote access trojan, a cybersecurity abbreviation.
Malware that gives an attacker hidden remote control of an infected computer, including file access, keylogging, screen capture and webcam or microphone activation. It is often delivered through phishing attachments or pirated software.
Example: The invoice attachment installed a RAT that recorded keystrokes and uploaded screenshots every minute.
Usage notes
Well-known families include Back Orifice (1998), DarkComet and njRAT. Legitimate remote administration tools work similarly but with consent, and attackers increasingly abuse them instead of custom malware. A 2014 international police operation against users of the BlackShades RAT led to dozens of arrests. Also expanded as remote administration tool.
Related abbreviations
More cybersecurity abbreviations
- PGP – Pretty Good Privacy
- PII – Personally identifiable information
- PKI – Public key infrastructure
- PUP – Potentially unwanted program
- RaaS – Ransomware as a service
- RADIUS – Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service
- RBAC – Role-based access control
- RCE – Remote code execution
- RSA – Rivest-Shamir-Adleman
- SAML – Security Assertion Markup Language
- SASE – Secure access service edge
- SAST – Static application security testing