Remote administration tools (RATs) allow legitimate system management. Ransomware can hijack these tools to gain admin access and deploy malware across networks. Attackers often bypass firewalls and detection mechanisms by using trusted software. RAT exploitation increases the speed and scope of infection. It demonstrates how legitimate software can be weaponized.
It matters because organizations must monitor and control remote tools closely. Trust in software must be verified.
It also highlights the importance of least-privilege policies and auditing.
Ransomware can abuse remote administration tools to spread quickly.
[SANS Institute, sans.org]