Remote desktop applications and Scammers

As remote work and tech support become increasingly common, so do the risks associated with remote desktop applications. In this article, we explore the intersection of these applications and the potential for scams. We’ll discuss the benefits of remote desktop tools, but also shed light on the precautions you should take to protect yourself from scammers looking to exploit these tools for malicious purposes. Stay informed and secure in the world of remote desktop applications.

“Anydesk”, and many other remote desktop applications are legitimate tools of the IT industry but are often used insidiously by scammers. You must exercise caution when dealing with apps such as these, so lets look at typical cases and see how you can protect yourself.

We have referenced scammers before on our blog, but it is a topic that often merits revisiting as scammers find new and inventive ways to try and con you out of your hard-earned money! You may have fallen foul of a ruse before, or you may think “It’ll never happen to me” but we see increasing incidence with new ploys by scammers.

When such an ordeal occurs to an unsuspecting victim, it will often prompt a visit to a shop just like ours to ensure no lasting software remains on their device but in the vein of our last blog, we still believe prevention is better than cure so here’s what to look out for.

Remote Desktop Applications: What are they?

Anydesk, TeamViewer, Splashtop, any app with the words “Remote Desktop” in their name are all tools of the trade. These tools are seeing increasing usage in this last year and onward as we navigate through a global pandemic whilst remaining productive through working remotely from home. You may have an IT problem and call your IT department and they will install such an application that will allow them to remotely access your device to resolve your problem. In this regard it is an extremely convenient and trustworthy tool. Unless you know or have good reason to trust the person who asks you to install this app, AnyDesk should set off alarm bells!

How does a Scammer use this tool against you then?

Scammers are extremely adept at exercising confidence to meet their goals. They play a numbers game with mass texts, emails and calls hoping to open a dialogue, but once they have that open dialogue they move swiftly to con you out of cash! The opening gambit may vary. Threatening automated messages from HMRC about fines. “Microsoft” identifying a fault with your computer and they are calling to “help”. Whatever the ruse, they tend to use the same playbook; Anydesk and other Remote desktop applications. Scammers will convince you they are trying to help you; “just install this application and grant me access to your device”. Before you know it they’ve logged into your bank account and started transferring money out.

Let’s be clear Anydesk are a completely legitimate company who make a very useful tool. The same is true of all other Remote Desktop Application creators. Their tools are being used maliciously and so it is important to know how to protect yourself.

How do I protect myself?

Never install software of any kind if prompted. Unless you are absolutely certain you trust the person who has instructed you to do so.
Did they call you? Chances are then, that you can’t trust them. Companies rarely ever contact you out of the blue trying to fix something, and HMRC will always contact you by post.
Never fall for the “hang up and call the number on your card/online” pitch on a landline either. Scammers will stay on the line and play dial tones and line ringing sounds. Then “pick up” and carry out the con as normal.
If you suspect you are dealing with a scammer, hang up immediately. If you were on your landline, use your mobile to call the company the scammer purported to be from where you can check the legitimacy of the call if you’re unsure or report the scam attempt.
Be as vigilant with Command Prompt (CMD) requests as you are with Remote desktop apps. The only people who need you to execute commandline instructions are the IT guy, or your Internet Service Provider; That YOU called.

At SmartFix, we pride ourselves on making sure that you are the safest you can be when using your computer. If you have any queries or think you may have been the victim of a scam, please feel free to contact us via the page on this website, calling us on 0131 209 7984, or by coming in-store and speaking to one of us. Advice costs nothing and we’re always happy to help.