A remote access Trojan (RAT) is malware that gives an attacker covert or unauthorized remote access to a computer. Depending on the RAT, an attacker may monitor activity, steal credentials, copy files, change settings, or use the infected device to reach other systems. If you suspect a RAT, use a clean device to change important passwords and get help removing the malware; a single scan result cannot prove that a computer is clean.
What is a RAT virus?
A RAT, short for remote access Trojan, is malware that lets someone access and control a computer without the owner’s permission. The word “Trojan” describes the deception often used to get it installed: the harmful program may be disguised as a document, installer, or other seemingly legitimate file. Remote control is the defining feature, though RATs can also behave like spyware or a keylogger. Malwarebytes’ RAT explainer describes the category and its common capabilities.
What does a remote access Trojan do?
Capabilities vary by malware family; not every RAT can do everything on this list. Depending on its design and the attacker’s access, a RAT may:
- Monitor activity or capture keystrokes, screenshots, browser history, email, or chat data.
- Collect usernames and passwords or other system information.
- Browse, copy, or otherwise access files and change system settings.
- Use the infected computer’s internet connection or attempt to reach other connected devices and systems.
For a family-specific example, Malwarebytes describes its Windows-targeting Backdoor.AveMaria as capable of remote desktop access, keylogging, privilege escalation, and password theft. Those features should not be assumed for every RAT. The Backdoor.AveMaria threat page also notes the risk of stolen credentials and follow-on compromise.
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How do RATs get on your computer?
RATs can arrive through deceptive messages or downloads. The file or link may appear routine while leading to the installation or execution of malware. Common routes described by Malwarebytes include email attachments, web links, download packages, torrents, software bundled with other programs, and social engineering. Some Trojans impersonate legitimate software or use misleading file extensions. In some cases, an attacker with temporary physical access may install malware directly. Malwarebytes’ RAT overview and its Trojan reference describe these delivery methods.
A reported 2026 example: a file disguised as a PDF
In a report published February 5, 2026, Malwarebytes researcher Pieter Arntz described a campaign called DEAD#VAX. 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 that executed and injected AsyncRAT shellcode into trusted processes. The report describes possible password theft, file access, surveillance, and use of the computer as a foothold against other devices. This was one reported campaign—not evidence that PDF files or virtual disks in general are malicious. Read the February 5, 2026 campaign report.
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How can I tell if someone has remote access to my computer?
There is no single symptom that reliably confirms a RAT. Sluggish performance, unfamiliar activity, or unexpected system changes can have many causes, and malware may run without obvious signs. Treat a credible warning seriously—for example, a security tool identifying a RAT, a suspicious file you opened, or an administrator alert—but do not use the absence of visible symptoms as proof that the computer is safe.
If you suspect compromise, avoid entering sensitive passwords on that device while you arrange a response. Use another, trusted device to secure accounts and contact your organization’s IT administrator if the computer is managed by work or school.
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How do I remove a RAT from my PC?
Use a reputable, up-to-date anti-malware tool to run a full scan and follow its instructions to quarantine or remove detected threats. Automated scanning and quarantine workflows can help, but one clean scan does not establish that the computer is definitely free of malware. For a work- or school-managed device, contact the administrator rather than attempting an unsupervised cleanup. Malwarebytes’ Trojan reference recommends a full scan, while its threat pages describe scan and quarantine workflows.
Protect accounts and information from a clean device
Assume information accessible from the compromised computer may have been exposed. From a separate, trusted device, change passwords for relevant accounts and usernames where applicable, prioritizing email, financial, and work accounts. If an account offers a way to review active sessions or revoke access, use it. Notify the relevant administrator about a managed computer so they can assess the device and connected systems. Malwarebytes gives similar account-protection advice in its RAT guidance.
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What should I do if I clicked a suspicious attachment?
- Do not open it again or follow any prompts. If a file ran, a disk mounted, or a script window appeared, treat that as a possible compromise rather than assuming the file was harmless.
- Use a clean device for sensitive accounts. Change relevant passwords from another trusted computer or phone, especially if you entered credentials after opening the file.
- Run an up-to-date full anti-malware scan. Follow the tool’s quarantine or removal instructions; a scan that finds nothing is not conclusive proof that the machine is clean.
- Contact IT if the device is managed. Share what you opened and when, and let the administrator guide containment and recovery.
- Verify future messages separately. Contact the supposed sender using a known phone number or another trusted channel—not contact details supplied in the suspicious message.
These steps reflect Malwarebytes’ advice to verify unexpected files, use current protection, and treat potentially accessible personal information as compromised. The DEAD#VAX report also recommends real-time protection capable of detecting malware that hides in memory.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can you reduce the risk of a RAT infection?
- Check unexpected attachments and links. Confirm with the sender through a trusted channel before opening them.
- Show file extensions. In Windows 11, open File Explorer and select View > Show > File name extensions. In Windows 10, open File Explorer and select View > File name extensions. Visible extensions can make misleading names such as
invoice.pdf.vhdeasier to spot; they do not determine whether a file is safe. - Get software from trusted sources. Prefer the software producer’s site; avoid cracked applications, unauthorized mirrors, and unfamiliar downloads.
- Keep real-time anti-malware protection current. Use a solution that can scan for malware and follow its alerts. Memory-resident detection can matter because some malware attempts to hide while running.
These precautions reduce risk but cannot guarantee that every malicious file or attack will be blocked.
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