[Pikabot](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1145) is a backdoor used for initial access and follow-on tool deployment active since early 2023. [Pikabot](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1145) is notable for extensive use of multiple encoding, encryption, and defense evasion mechanisms to evade defenses and avoid analysis. [Pikabot](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1145) has some overlaps with [QakBot](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0650), but insufficient evidence exists to definitively link these two malware families. [Pikabot](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1145) is frequently used to deploy follow on tools such as [Cobalt Strike](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154) or ransomware variants.(Citation: Zscaler Pikabot 2023)(Citation: Elastic Pikabot 2024)(Citation: Logpoint Pikabot 2024)