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Article Series: Spyware
Gid Rid of Spyware on My System
Remote
Access Trojans: What Are They?
Remote Access Trojans or RATs are very malicious and nasty.
This software enables criminals and hijacker to control
your computer by way of your Internet connection. RATs allow others
to view and change your computer’s files and functions. They
can monitor and record all your activities and even use your
computer to attack others. These Remote Access Trojans allow
the criminals to do all of these things with out you even knowing.
They can gain control of all your personal information and
use it for identity fraud and other criminal activities. The
only way to be sure you don’t have a RAT in your computer is
to run anti-virus, anti-Trojan, or anti-spyware to see if it
is there. So, how do these lovely invaders get to you in the
first place?
Remote
Access Trojans usually come in illicit software and
are for the most part hidden. They can also come from programs
that are downloaded from the Internet that look safe and are
unsuspected. Many of these RATs also come in e-mails as greeting
cards, and/or audio and video file attachments. In fact they
can come with any attachment and be downloaded when you open
it. They also can come in your instant messages as a link or
funny image. Sometimes RATs can get on your computer with out
you doing anything at all. They enter through an open port
on your computer while you browse the Internet.
Another computer by way of the RAT can control your computer.
Criminals can use this to expose you to scams. The RAT program
can trick your computer into thinking that a site is trust-worthy.
It can even mimic your online banking or other sites you frequent
to get your information. The user can then use your passwords
or credit card numbers to steal your money and/or identity.
They can also put you in debt by using your credit card number
with out you even knowing. Remote Access Trojans can view,
alter, copy, and/or delete your files from your computer. They
can do it once or do it every time you restart your computer.
It completely depends on what the user instructed it to do.
This can cause your system to not function properly or crash
completely.
RATS
record your typing and send the information it has gathered
to another computer. The people who get this information run
it through another software program that put the information
into words. This is how they get your user names and passwords
as well as other personal information. They can capture video
and audio from what you have hooked up to your computer. Once
the RAT has saved the media files, they are sent to the other
person’s computer. Remote Access Trojans are also capable of
running and/or ending any processes, programs, or connections
you have on your computer. They will also create pop-ups to
annoy you or get you to go to malicious web sites. Some RATs
are used to form armies to attack other computers. The criminals
will control these “zombie armies” and be able to send thousands
of messages and/or mass spreading viruses or spyware.
So, how
do you keep these horrifying menaces off your machine? First is to always have safe online communication. Only share
your primary e-mail address with people you know. Don’t list
your e-mail in large directories online or other frequently
traveled web sites. If you join an online user group be careful
about who you give your personal info to. Don’t just open attachments
from anyone. Make sure you know what they are and who sent
them. Also make sure your anti-virus scans and neutralizes
all incoming mail that is infected. Only use software you get
from trusted and reputable companies. The net is jammed pack
with software programs that are free or cost little to nothing.
That is the gimmick used to get you to download them. The real
prize is in the malicious software you are loading at the same
time. Check anything very carefully before you put it on your
computer, especially if it is coming from a not so trusted
site.
You want to make sure your computer is always up to date.
Either visit Microsoft Update weekly or select the option that
allow Microsoft to update you with critical files as needed.
This will give you any programs or patches needed to keep intruders
from getting into your computer. If the company finds that
an intruder is invading people through a specific program or
port they will make a patch to change the program to prevent
it. Make sure you have a good anti-virus program on your computer.
It should have the ability to detect all malicious threats
no matter where they might come from. I should also have a
firewall and anti-spyware program with it. Make sure you follow
the manufacturer’s instructions on updates. There are tons
of new threats out there everyday and you should update daily
to keep you and your computer safe.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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