The RIG exploit kit is a type of malicious software toolkit used by cybercriminals to deliver malware to victims through web browsers. It works by exploiting known vulnerabilities in outdated browser plugins like Flash, Java, or Silverlight. When a user visits a compromised or malicious website, the kit scans for these weaknesses and, if found, silently installs malware—often ransomware, trojans, or information stealers—without the user’s knowledge.
RIG has been active since around 2014 and is often used in “drive-by download” attacks, where simply visiting a site is enough to get infected. While its activity has declined in recent years due to better browser security and the decline of vulnerable plugins, it’s still used in targeted attacks. Keeping software up to date and using modern browsers helps reduce the risk.