(Newswire.net — July 18, 2020) — TeamViewer is a remote desktop control and sharing service software system that allows you to help those you connect with troubleshooting computer issues, share files across one device to the next, or engage in screen sharing collaboration or webinar activity. This service is handy for remote access without having to be physically present to access a device or install software using a physical CD-Rom. But there are some issues it’s had in the past that may make you consider a TeamViewer alternative for your business systems.
TeamViewer Pros
One reason TeamViewer is popular is because it can connect different operating systems with each other, and also give users an easy way to access office computers or IoT based equipment remotely. It also has built-in chat and instant messaging systems for when you need to call for help and support. And of course it has voice call and video conferencing capabilities that are often important when working remotely. And believe it or not, yes a TeamViewer session will be encrypted to minimize the risk of data being intercepted or rogue devices taking control of your device or anyone else’s. It also usually runs without needing to take up an enormous amount of resources.
TeamViewer Cons
While TeamViewer has taken some steps to improve security in recent days, it has had some issues with breaches over the years. There was an incident in 2016 in which many user passwords were compromised and hackers found other information on user devices. There was also a situation more recently where a Trojan was created using the TeamViewer software and modified to infect user devices. What TeamViewer users need to beware of is there are many ways vulnerabilities can be found on it, especially if they constantly run it in the background and don’t regularly check on the devices they allow to connect to it. That’s why you may want to look at a TeamViewer alternative for enhanced security.
What Other Remote Desktop Access Software Should Have
What a TeamViewer alternative should have is extended protocols in place to try to make sure certain apps or programs on your device won’t be exploited to hijack your session. This is also known as application whitelisting. Other features that some alternative software will have are based on Windows Server’s active directory policies that can limit what certain users can do privilege wise on remote desktop sessions. You may also want to look at authentication services that use services like LDAP or RADIUS to ensure only approved users are logged in and are also time-stamped by IP, location and other login details. And of course, your remote access sessions should have state-of-the-art encryption to keep them private.
The bottom line is TeamViewer is still widely used, and with its name brand it will likely continue to be. Plus its low price and free versions make it attractive as well. But its past security issues and the fact that it’s highly targeted should still give you pause and make you consider an alternative. Even if the alternative isn’t nearly as cheap as TeamViewer, your data security has no price tag that can account for its importance.