First identified around 2013, NanoCore is a commercial remote access trojan (RAT) that was available for purchase on hacking forums. Initially designed as a legitimate remote administration tool, NanoCore's comprehensive features, including password theft and the ability to capture videos and audio from the device's camera and microphone, have made it an ideal choice for cybercriminals seeking remote access and control over their victims' computers.
NanoCore, also known as NanoCore RAT, Nancrat, and NanoCore Client, is a formidable remote administration tool employed by cybercriminals for a range of malicious activities. These include the theft of usernames and passwords, surveillance, screen locking, installation of additional malware, and overall manipulation and control of targeted systems.
First identified around 2013, NanoCore started as a legitimate remote administration tool available for purchase on hacking forums. Its evolution into a commercial remote access trojan (RAT) was driven by its comprehensive features, enabling cybercriminals to execute various attacks, such as password theft and capturing videos and audio from the device's camera and microphone. This versatility has made NanoCore a preferred choice for criminals seeking remote access and control over their victims' computers.
Like many popular malware tools, NanoCore has undergone development and adjustments by cybercriminals, leading to the existence of multiple versions and variants.
The symptoms of a NanoCore infection include unusual network activity, unexpected system slowdowns, anomalous behavior, presence of unknown software, and reports of system crashes without apparent cause.
Sources of NanoCore infections include malicious email attachments or links, compromised websites with exploit kits, infected removable storage devices, exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and infiltration through other malware acting as droppers for NanoCore.
NanoCore primarily targets Windows platforms, posing a danger level of 4 out of 5. If an infection is suspected, immediate disconnection from the network is crucial to prevent further data exfiltration. A comprehensive scan using Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is recommended for detection and removal. Seeking professional assistance is advised to ensure complete removal and conducting a thorough system audit for potential backdoors or persistence mechanisms.
Prevention strategies for NanoCore infections involve practicing secure computing habits, keeping operating systems and software up to date with security patches, exercising caution when interacting with links or attachments, utilizing Gridinsoft Anti-Malware for regular scans, implementing network segmentation, and enforcing strong password policies with multi-factor authentication.