What type of malware is designed to take control of a system without the user's consent?

A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a type of malware specifically designed to gain unauthorized control over a computer system, often without the user's knowledge or consent. RATs allow an attacker to remotely access and manipulate the compromised system, enabling them to steal sensitive information, install additional malicious software, or conduct various forms of surveillance.

Unlike other types of malware, RATs are typically stealthy and can remain hidden from both the user and traditional security measures. Their primary function is to provide the attacker with control similar to that of a legitimate system administrator, thus facilitating a wide range of malicious activities.

Keyloggers are designed to capture keystrokes and can be used for spying but do not necessarily provide remote control over the system. Adware focuses on delivering advertisements and tracking user behavior, which might not involve taking control of the system. Worms are self-replicating malware that can spread across networks but do not inherently focus on remote access or user consent; they often aim to exploit network vulnerabilities instead.