Quasar RAT, an open-source remote access trojan (RAT) designed for Windows systems, is utilized by cybercriminals to illicitly seize remote control of compromised computers. This allows unauthorized spying on device owners, data theft, and execution of additional malware. First identified around 2015, Quasar RAT quickly garnered attention in the cybersecurity community due to its open-source nature, enabling modification or adaptation for specific requirements.
Quasar RAT, an open-source remote access trojan (RAT) designed for Windows systems, is utilized by cybercriminals to illicitly seize remote control of compromised computers. This allows unauthorized spying on device owners, data theft, and execution of additional malware. First identified around 2015, Quasar RAT quickly garnered attention in the cybersecurity community due to its open-source nature, enabling modification or adaptation for specific requirements.
Quasar RAT is also known as QuasarRAT and xRAT. As an open-source project, it has multiple customized variants tailored by hackers to meet their specific needs.
The damage potential of Quasar RAT is extensive, encompassing unauthorized remote control over the infected system, keystroke recording, stealing personal information, accessing the webcam and microphone, managing files and processes on the device, and downloading and executing other programs and malware.
The symptoms of a Quasar RAT infection include unusual system behavior, increased network activity, unauthorized access to sensitive files and data, recorded keystrokes, abnormal system resource usage by unknown processes, unexpected webcam or microphone activation, and the presence of unfamiliar or suspicious files and processes.
Quasar RAT can be spread through various means, including phishing emails with malicious attachments, compromised websites distributing infected software or documents, exploitation of software vulnerabilities through drive-by downloads, malicious links leading to the download of the Quasar RAT payload, infiltration through already compromised systems within a network (lateral movement), injection into legitimate software installers or updates, propagation through removable media such as infected USB drives, and exploitation of weak or default passwords to gain initial access.
If you suspect your system is infected with Quasar RAT, it is crucial to take immediate action. Isolate the infected device from the network to prevent further damage, use a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to scan and remove the malware, change all passwords for sensitive accounts immediately, and conduct a thorough system analysis to identify and remove any residual traces of the malware.
To prevent Quasar RAT infections, it is recommended to keep your operating system and all software up-to-date with the latest security patches, use a reliable antivirus program and keep it updated regularly, avoid downloading and executing files from untrusted sources or unknown emails, regularly monitor and analyze network traffic for unusual patterns or connections, and implement strong password policies while using two-factor authentication where possible.
If you suspect your system is infected with Quasar RAT:
To prevent Quasar RAT infections:
