DRAT (also known as DRAT Remote Access Trojan) is a stealthy and potent remote access Trojan (RAT) that emerged in mid-2025. Delivered via sophisticated social engineering campaigns and malicious scripting techniques, DRAT enables attackers to gain full remote control over infected Windows devices. A more advanced variant, DRAT V2, is also circulating, offering upgraded communication protocols and extended capabilities.
Threat Type Overview
- Threat Type: Remote Administration Trojan (RAT)
- Detection Names:
- Avast: Win32:MalwareX-gen [Trj]
- Combo Cleaner: Trojan.GenericKD.76714170
- ESET‑NOD32: A Variant Of Generik.BMRXRWI
- Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Agentb.gen
- Microsoft: Trojan:Win32/Egairtigado!rfn
DRAT Threat Summary
Category | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Remote Access Trojan (RAT) |
Detection Names | Listed above |
Symptoms | No overt signs; subtle lags, unresponsiveness, or increased network usage may be present |
Damage | Stolen credentials, remote access, surveillance, malware delivery, identity theft |
Distribution Methods | Spoofed websites, clipboard hijacking via “ClickFix” scripts posing as CAPTCHA verification |
Danger Level | High – grants attackers full system access and control |
Removal Tool | SpyHunter – designed for deep-rooted malware removal (Download SpyHunter) |
Detailed Threat Evaluation
How You Got Infected
DRAT is often distributed through spoofed government or service websites that prompt users to complete a “CAPTCHA”-like action. Instead of a legitimate test, users are instructed to copy and paste a script (usually PowerShell or CMD) into their terminal or run dialog. This script, once executed, downloads and installs the DRAT payload in the background without alerting the user.
What DRAT Does
Once on the system, DRAT establishes a connection with its command-and-control (C2) server. It can perform actions such as:
- Collecting system details (username, OS, drive info)
- File upload/download
- Executing remote commands and shell instructions
- Delivering and installing additional malicious payloads
- Evading antivirus detection
The DRAT V2 variant enhances these capabilities by streamlining communication protocols, improving stealth, and supporting expanded file management features.
Should You Be Worried?
Yes—DRAT presents a serious threat to any infected system. It can:
- Exfiltrate sensitive data and login credentials
- Grant attackers prolonged remote access
- Be used to install further malware such as ransomware or spyware
- Add your device to a botnet or espionage network
DRAT is specifically engineered to operate silently, which makes timely detection and removal critical. Using a reliable malware removal tool is the most effective defense.
Manual Trojan Malware Removal Guide
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode
- Restart your computer.
- Before Windows starts, press the F8 key (or Shift + F8 on some systems).
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Press Enter to boot.
This prevents the Trojan from running and makes it easier to remove.
Step 2: Identify and Stop Malicious Processes
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Processes tab (or Details in Windows 10/11).
- Look for suspicious processes using high CPU or memory, or with unfamiliar names.
- Right-click on the suspicious process and select Open File Location.
- If the file is in a temporary or system folder and looks unfamiliar, it is likely malicious.
- Right-click the process and choose End Task.
- Delete the associated file in File Explorer.
Step 3: Remove Trojan-Related Files and Folders
- Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
- Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Also check these directories for unfamiliar or recently created files:
- C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Temp
- C:\Windows\Temp
- C:\Program Files (x86)
- C:\ProgramData
- C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming
- Delete suspicious files or folders.
Step 4: Clean Trojan Malware from Registry
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following paths:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Look for entries launching files from suspicious locations.
- Right-click and delete any entries you don’t recognize.
Warning: Editing the registry can harm your system if done improperly. Proceed with caution.
Step 5: Reset Browser Settings
Google Chrome
- Go to Settings > Reset Settings.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm.
Mozilla Firefox
- Go to Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox.
Microsoft Edge
- Go to Settings > Reset settings.
- Click Restore settings to their default values.
Step 6: Run a Full Windows Defender Scan
- Open Windows Security via Settings > Update & Security.
- Click Virus & threat protection.
- Choose Scan options, select Full scan, and click Scan now.
Step 7: Update Windows and Installed Software
- Press Win + I, go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install all available updates.
Automatic Trojan Removal Using SpyHunter
If manually removing the Trojan seems difficult or time-consuming, using SpyHunter is the recommended method. SpyHunter is an advanced anti-malware tool that detects and eliminates Trojan infections effectively.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Use the following official link to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter
For full instructions on how to install, follow this page: Official SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Locate the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file in your Downloads folder.
- Double-click the installer to begin setup.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Step 3: Scan Your System
- Open SpyHunter.
- Click Start Scan Now.
- Let the program detect all threats, including Trojan components.
Step 4: Remove Detected Malware
- After the scan, click Fix Threats.
- SpyHunter will automatically quarantine and remove all identified malicious components.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your system to ensure all changes take effect and the threat is completely removed.
Tips to Prevent Future Trojan Infections
- Avoid downloading pirated software or opening unknown email attachments.
- Only visit trusted websites and avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups.
- Use a real-time antivirus solution like SpyHunter for ongoing protection.
- Keep your operating system, browsers, and software up to date.
Conclusion
DRAT and its variant DRAT V2 exemplify the sophistication of modern malware threats. Through social engineering and cleverly disguised scripts, it infects devices with minimal user awareness. Once active, it hands over complete system control to cybercriminals who can use it for theft, sabotage, or further infections. If you’ve recently interacted with suspicious scripts or prompts, scanning your device with a robust anti-malware solution like SpyHunter is crucial to regaining control and protecting your data.