Opinion: RAT – The Smartphone Trojan You Need to Know About!
Cybercrimes targeting mobile phones are on the rise and generating concern among specialists. In recent days, several users reported strange behaviors on their devices, such as the automatic opening of applications or the loading of dozens of tabs without the owner’s intervention. A case that went viral on TikTok showed how a phone started playing ads uncontrollably, reflecting the advance of an increasingly common attack: the Remote Access Trojan, known as RAT.
What is a RAT and why it’s concerning
The Remote Access Trojan allows an attacker to control a smartphone remotely as if they had it in their hands. This opens the door to multiple risks: manipulation of the screen to display fake interfaces, unauthorized transfers, and even live spying. According to Andrés García, a cybersecurity specialist, this type of software “can capture passwords, authentication codes, and even impersonate identities.” Additionally, it enables activities such as selling private data, extortion, and using the device as a hostage through ransomware.
RATs usually enter the phone through three main ways:
– Malicious applications downloaded outside official stores.
– Phishing, through attachments in messages that execute the trojan when opened.
– Infected links sent via SMS or social networks, which install APK files with malware.
The most common victims are individuals with little experience in digital security or limited control over technology use.
Prevention measures and what to do if attacked by a RAT
Experts advise installing applications only from Google Play Store or App Store and disabling downloads from unknown sources. They also recommend being cautious of apps promising free premium services, keeping the operating system updated, and installing a reliable antivirus. Checking the permissions requested by each application is another key practice: if a simple function app asks for access to contacts or messages, it’s a red flag.
Swift action is crucial to limit the damage of a RAT attack. The suggested steps include:
– Disconnecting from the Internet to cut communication with the attacker.
– Not turning off the phone, as the malware could reactivate upon restart.
– Changing passwords on an alternative device and enabling two-step verification.
– Contacting the bank to block suspicious transactions.
– Formatting the device, reinstalling only official applications.
RATs continue to adapt and evolve alongside mobile technologies. That’s why specialists insist that education and prevention are the best tools to reduce the impact of these threats.
