(also RAT, backdoor trojan)
A remote access trojan is a type of trojan malware that disguises itself as a harmless program but includes a back door for administrative control over the target device. The administrative control enables the RAT to do just about anything on the target computer, including accessing private data, monitoring the device’s behavior, and distributing more malware.
In 1998, a program called Back Orifice debuted at DEF CON. It enables the user to control a computer running on Microsoft Windows from a remote location.