Once the malware is on your computer, it will make a log entry as a gateway for hackers. Malware for remote access frequently begins as a trustworthy file or piece of online software that can be downloaded. Once downloaded or installed, it will function like a native component of your machine or system. Therefore, the remote access malware starts running each time your computer uses a function. We mentioned below the ways to Prevent Remote Access Trojan Attacks.
Ways to Prevent Remote Access Trojan Attacks
Install an Anti-Malware Software Program
Installing anti-malware software is one of the most significant ways to protect against RATs, even though they can be challenging to find and remove. Anti-malware software is made to find and eliminate unwanted software, including RATs. RATs and other malicious software can be prevented from infecting your computer by installing an anti-malware program. As new threats emerge frequently, you should keep your anti-malware program up to date.
Harden Access Control
Hardening access control is one of the best strategies to thwart a RAT assault. As a result, unauthorized users will find it more challenging to access networks and systems. For instance, stricter firewall configurations and strong authentication measures like two-factor authentication can help guarantee that only authorized users have access to the device and data. Doing this will lessen the harm that a RAT infection can do.
Implement Least Privilege
The idea of least privilege should always be adhered to regarding RAT prevention (POLP). Simply put, this rule dictates that users should only have the bare minimum of access required to carry out their job responsibilities. This covers both privileges and permissions. Organizations can significantly lower the likelihood of a RAT gaining complete control of a PC by strictly enforcing the least privilege principle. Additionally, a RAT attacker’s damage to a PC will be limited if the code of least privilege is correctly applied.
Monitor Unusual Behavior of Applications
RATs frequently establish a connection to a remote server to receive commands from the attacker. As a result, if a RAT is on your machine, you might notice anomalous network activity. So, keeping an eye on how applications behave on your system can assist prevent RAT infections. You might observe specific programs connecting to unknown IP addresses or ports that aren’t typically utilized by those applications, for instance. Additionally, you might notice applications transferring a lot of data when they usually don’t. You can find RATs before they cause any harm by keeping an eye out for these kinds of strange behaviors. Just open Task Manager on your Windows PC or Activity Monitor on your Mac to check if any application is running without you initiating it.
Use an Intrusion Detection System
A trustworthy intrusion detection system should be used to continuously monitor your network traffic. Two key types of intrusion detection systems include:
A host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) is installed on a specific device. A network-based intrusion detection system (NIDS) that tracks network traffic in real-time
Using both types of intrusion detection systems will create a security information and event management (SIEM) system that can block any software intrusion that slips past your anti-malware and firewall.
Update OS, Browser, and Other Commonly Used Software
Threat actors frequently use outdated software and operating system flaws to access a victim’s device. You can aid in plugging any potential security gaps that attackers might use to infect your PC with a RAT by keeping your operating system, web browser, and other frequently used programs up to date. As soon as a security update for your firewall and antivirus software becomes available, you should install it.
Adopt Zero-Trust Model
The zero-trust security architecture strictly mandates identification and authentication to enter a network. The zero-trust model’s guiding principles include constant monitoring and validations, granting users and devices the fewest possible privileges, stringent access control for devices, and preventing lateral movement. You can therefore avoid a RAT attack by implementing a zero-trust model. This is because RAT attacks frequently use lateral movement to infect other networked devices and access sensitive data.
Go through Cybersecurity Training
The most common ways malware is distributed through suspicious links and rogue websites. You should never open an email attachment if you weren’t expecting it. Additionally, you should only download video games, pictures, and software from official sources. Additionally, you should regularly attend cybersecurity training to learn about the newest methods for identifying malware threats. An organization can avoid a RAT infection by providing employees with training on the best cybersecurity techniques to avoid phishing and social engineering attacks. Preventing malware infection is preferable to treating it. Additionally, security awareness training equips people and organizations to defend against RAT attacks.
Final Words
We hope you like our article on How to stop Remote Access Trojan Attacks. Like any other virus, RATS can infect PCs. They might be included in an email as an attachment, housed on a malicious website, or used to attack an unpatched PC. Similar to how the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and TeamViewer can be used for remote access or system administration, RATs enable an attacker to remotely control a computer. With the attacker’s server, the RAT will establish a command and control (C2) channel through which commands and data can be sent to the RAT. A set of built-in commands and techniques for concealing their C2 traffic from detection are both features of RATs.
