How to remove SpecRAT malware from your operating system

What kind of malware is SpecRAT?

SpecRAT is a malicious program developed in November 2025. It is classified as a RAT (Remote Access Trojan), a type of malware that enables remote access and control over compromised machines. SpecRAT is advertised by its developers as a highly customizable piece of malicious software.

SpecRAT malware overview

SpecRAT is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that allows attackers to control victims' devices remotely. According to the malware's promotional material, it has stable operation and is light on system resource usage. The trojan can monitor systems, modify the Windows Registry, and manage files.

RATs can enable a level of control that is nearly user-level; hence, device manipulation can be extensive and varied. SpecRAT is described as customizable, and it is still under active development as of the time of writing. Therefore, the RAT's abilities can differ between attacks and future variants.

To expand upon the features prevalent in this type of malware, it is commonly used to perform system and network reconnaissance – a critical element of cyber-espionage.

Spyware and data-stealing functionalities are often implemented in RATs as well. These programs are capable of taking screenshots, live-streaming desktops, recording audio/video via microphones/cameras, exfiltrating files, keylogging (recording keystrokes), extracting data from installed apps, stealing/replacing clipboard data (clipper), and so on.

Targeted software can include browsers, email clients, password managers, cryptocurrency wallets, FTP clients, gaming-related programs, VPNs, etc. Information of interest can be log-in credentials (e.g., IDs, usernames, passwords, passphrases, etc.), personally identifiable details (e.g., passport scans/photos, ID card details, etc.), and financial data (e.g., online bank account log-in credentials, credit/debit card numbers, etc.).

Some remote access trojans can cause chain infections, i.e., download/install additional trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and other malware.

To summarize, the presence of malicious software like SpecRAT on devices may lead to multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Remote access trojan examples

We have written about thousands of malicious programs; MetaRAT, CastleRAT, Syntrix, OctoRAT, and ScoringMathTea are merely some of our newest articles on remote access trojans.

RATs are often multifunctional and incredibly versatile. However, regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.

How did SpecRAT infiltrate my computer?

Phishing and social engineering tactics are standard in malware proliferation. Prevalent distribution methods include: trojans (backdoors/loaders), drive-by downloads, suspicious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), malvertising, spam emails/messages, online scams, pirated programs/media, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

Usually, malicious software is disguised as or bundled with ordinary programs/media. Virulent files come in various formats, such as executables (EXE, RUN, etc.), archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and others. Merely opening a malicious file can be enough to trigger the infection chain.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy channels. All programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by genuine developers, as those acquired from third-parties may contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since the Internet is full of deceptive and malicious content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links found in dubious/irrelevant communications must not be opened, as they can be infectious.

It is paramount to have a dependable antivirus installed and kept updated. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove active and potential threats. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

SpecRAT RAT promoted on Telegram:

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is SpecRAT?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of SpecRAT malware.
• STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.

How to remove malware manually?

Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:

If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:

Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Restart your computer into Safe Mode:

Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.

Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".

Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".

In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.

Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.

You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".

After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.

Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.

These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My computer is infected with SpecRAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Malware removal rarely necessitates formatting.

What are the biggest issues that SpecRAT malware can cause?

The threats associated with an infection depend on the malicious program's capabilities and the cyber criminals' goals. SpecRAT is a customizable multifunctional RAT; hence, its functionalities and uses can differ between infections. Generally, high-risk malware can cause multiple system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of SpecRAT malware?

Most malware attacks are motivated by financial gain. However, the attackers can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, realize personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did SpecRAT malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is mainly distributed via trojans, spam mail, online scams, malvertising, drive-by downloads, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), pirated content, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan systems and remove all kinds of threats. It is capable of detecting and eliminating most of the known malware infections. It must be emphasized that performing a full system scan is key since high-end malicious software tends to hide deep within systems.