Remote Administration Trojans - technical definition

Typically malicious code appearing to be harmless or to be doing proper applications. Trojans tend to be created to cause losses or theft of computer information and are even capable of destroying information systems.

RATs let a cracker get unrestricted access to another personÂ’s computer whenever that user is online. The cracker can then do such things as transfer files, add or delete files, and even control the mouse and keyboard. Trojans are usually distributed as email attachments or bundled with another software program.

See Also: Code or Source Code; Electronic Mail or Email; Malicious Code; Trojan.