Is AnyDesk Safe? What You Should Know Before Using It for Remote Access

What security features AnyDesk offers 

When it comes to AnyDesk security, the platform does offer a set of tools to keep your remote access activities safe if you use them properly. Here’s how AnyDesk tries to make users’ remote access safe to use:

AES-256 end-to-end encryption

Every session is locked down with AES-256 encryption. This way, even if someone intercepts your traffic, all they’ll see is encrypted gibberish.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

You can enable two-factor authentication (also known as multi-factor authentication) on both your device and your AnyDesk account by adding an extra security code on top of your password.

Access management

With AnyDesk, you can decide exactly what the other side can do. You can restrict remote access activities, like whether someone can control your mouse, copy files, or just observe your screen. Plus, with Access control lists, you can allow only specific remote devices to connect at all. Users can even disable interactive access at all so that nobody can pop into your screen unless they have a password.

Whitelisting trusted devices

You can restrict access to only known devices or IPs, keeping your system invisible to unknown connections.

Privacy mode

Another clever feature, it allows you to black out your screen during a session. That way, no one standing next to the remote device can peek at what you’re doing.

Session logs

AnyDesk keeps session logs so you can track all remote access activities. This one is good for audits or checking for security protocol violations.

On-premises hosting

If you want total control, you can run AnyDesk entirely on your own local servers. This lets you apply your own digital security policies and keep data from ever touching AnyDesk’s cloud.

Sounds quite strong, agree? These features should’ve made AnyDesk a pretty solid remote access solution. Yet the unpleasant hack still happened, and there are con artists always seeking the chance to get gullible users scammed.

AnyDesk security threats you may face

Let’s talk about the dark side of this remote access software and other AnyDesk app scams that happen mostly because con artists abuse people’s trust: 

AnyDesk hack in 2024

In early 2024, AnyDesk admitted they got hacked. Their internal systems were compromised, though they say it wasn’t ransomware. To be safe, they removed their old security certificates, reset all passwords for their user portal, and told users to update their software. 

While the company insists the hack didn’t touch users’ devices directly or sneak anything nasty into the software itself, some hackers started selling thousands of AnyDesk login credentials on the dark web. AnyDesk claims those probably came from malware infections on users’ own devices, not the attack on their servers. But what happened in reality is still an open question. 

Missing some certificates

Yes, AnyDesk ticks off ISO 27001 and GDPR. But it still lacks SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and NIST CSF attestations. Without them, regulated businesses can’t prove the app protects personal or financial information or bank account data to the levels these auditors demand. 

Hackers’ phishing campaigns

Hackers tricked corporate employees into downloading an old but legitimate version of AnyDesk. To make them do that, the attackers sent emails or texts pretending to be from banks or other financial services to trick victims into installing what’s pitched as a “live chat” app. In reality, once the victim runs the program and shares the access code, the attackers can take over the computer and make it look like the user is doing everything themselves. 

Fake bank fraud alerts

A retired banker lost $5,000 after scammers tricked him into downloading AnyDesk. Pretending to be from his Internet provider, the scammers told him it was needed to fix his slow connection. Once he installed it and followed their sneaky request to put his phone face down, they gained full control of his device and drained his bank account. 

Tech-support hijacks

When scammers call you, they usually pretend to be from Microsoft or your Internet company. They sound polite, professional, and urgent. They tell you there’s a serious problem with your computer: maybe it’s been hacked, maybe your Internet connection is at risk, or any other fake reasoning. Then they ask you to download AnyDesk, claiming it’s a tool that will let their “technician” show you what’s wrong. But once you install it and give them the access code, they can do God-knows-what things they get on your device. 

Scam “Internet tests” during the hiring process

Some Reddit users share that there are scammy so-called recruiters who ask applicants to keep AnyDesk running “for an Internet speed test” before hiring a candidate for remote work. It’s likely to be another type of AnyDesk scam. 

Now that you’re prepared for what can potentially happen, let’s consider what you can do to protect your online privacy when using AnyDesk or other remote access systems. 

How to avoid remote access scams when using AnyDesk

Sadly, you can’t control how scammers behave. But what you can control is the way you respond to not become the next victim of their dirty schemes:

Download AnyDesk software only from the official website

Never trust links you get in emails. Always get your AnyDesk installer from the official site with the padlock and correct address.

Always verify who’s asking for access

Don’t click or agree just because a pop-up says so. Call your manager or the actual tech support team on another channel before letting anyone into your system via AnyDesk.

Use strong and unique password

Forget pet names and birthdays. Use long, totally random passwords that no one could guess. Create or generate at least 16 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols. Worry about forgetting or losing them? You can use a password manager for it and never reuse the same password for other remote access tools or other platforms.

Enable two-factor authentication

Though having a strong password is vital, don’t rely solely on it. With two-factor authentication, even if someone guesses or steals your password, they can’t log in without a special code from your phone. 

Use a VPN on top of AnyDesk

A VPN adds an additional encryption layer, hides your IP, and protects you from DNS leaks, especially when you’re using remote access systems on unprotected public Wi-Fi spots like those in coffee shops or airports. 

But not all VPNs are the same. Free VPN providers might look like an easy way to boost your digital security, but in reality, they often do more harm than good. Many of them fail to offer strong security protocols, and leave your data exposed to websites you visit or leaking your real IP. What is worse, some free VPN services make money by tracking what you do online and selling that info to third parties. Others flood you with annoying ads or even hide malicious software in their apps. 

So, consider using a reliable VPN provider like VeePN. 

Enhance your privacy and security when using AnyDesk with VeePN

Here’s what VeePN offers:

Military-grade AES-256 encryption

Traffic already encrypted by AnyDesk gets wrapped in another cipher layer. Even if scammers intercept packets, the double coating keeps your sensitive data unreadable.

Advanced leak protection (DNS, IPv6, WebRTC)

If your VPN disconnects, VeePN’s Kill Switch instantly blocks all Internet traffic to prevent IP address leaks. It will help to keep your data and identity safe, even when sudden connection drops happen.

Malware and add blocker

VeePN’s built-in NetGuard feature stops you from gaining access to fake websites, malicious ads, and links that try to make you “download software” laced with spyware or trick you into phishing traps.

Strict No Logs policy

VeePN never logs your connection timestamps, access codes, or which unsecure or secure remote access activities you perform.

Breach Alert

VeePN’s Breach Alert feature will keep you informed if your credentials show up in known data leaks. This way, you can immediately secure your AnyDesk sessions and other accounts before cybercriminals take advantage of your data. 

10-device coverage under one subscription

You can protect laptops, desktops, and mobile devices used for on-call fixes or remote work security tasks without juggling accounts.

Stop Internet speed throttling 

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) knows about high bandwidth activities like heavy remote desktop application sessions in AnyDesk, streaming content, or gaming. You can connect to one of the 2,500+ servers in 89 locations to a nearby node for low-latency support calls or spin up distant endpoints and successfully bypass ISP throttling.

Try using VeePN without any risks with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Written by Oliver Bennett Oliver Bennett is a dedicated cyber security content writer with a knack for breaking down intricate cyber topics into accessible and actionable insights.

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