Security Question on Remote Access Software

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Like many others, I get a call occasionally from a relative or friend looking for help with a computer. I finally decided to check out remote access/view/control software so I could see the remote screen and maybe do things on those remote pcs.

The 800 pound gorilla in this field seems to be TeamViewer. Not only does it do everything, but the Big Boy version is free for non-commercial use. I said to myself “Self, this is great!” and got ready to get everybody to download it. Until the moment of the big WHOA!

Communications between two client pcs must go through the TeamViewer servers. If those two client pcs have access to each other, then those servers must have access to those pcs, which means they can look at files, passwords, IP addresses, and every other thing on both of the communicating pcs, right? Those servers could also plant viruses, trojans, keystroke loggers… you name it.

Am I right ot just paranoid?

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Communications between two client pcs must go through the TeamViewer servers. If those two client pcs have access to each other, then those servers must have access to those pcs, which means they can look at files, passwords, IP addresses, and every other thing on both of the communicating pcs, right? Those servers could also plant viruses, trojans, keystroke loggers… you name it.

Desktop sharing and remote control solutions often involve an intermediary web site because most other connections are blocked by firewalls. Of course you should only work with an intermediary you trust. But think about it for a moment:any software you install and give permission to connect to the internet can share all the same information you mentioned. The fact that the service involves connecting two computers doesn’t really make this particular software special.

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Use the VPN option, makes security less of an issue.

As with any new (to you) software – never trust the defaults, check any options and read everything during the install. If it’s a piece of software that might involve loading drivers or Services (or access the Internet), ensure you have a recent verified Backup and set a System Restore point before installing.

I though Logmein/Hamachi was the bigger player …

I regularly use TV.

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