When it comes to finding the best remote desktop software, sifting through the myriad of options available can be both time-consuming and daunting. With many articles and videos scattered across the internet, the task of analyzing features, pricing, and packages can be overwhelming.
Fear not, for we’re here to offer a fresh perspective. When you’re sharing your desktop with a remote user, the paramount concern is the security of your communication and the protection of your data. Therefore, we propose evaluating popular solutions on the market based on the critical aspect: the security of connection and access to your computer and all your company’s resources.
Here are the essential security issues to choose the best and most secure remote desktop software:
1. AES-256 Encryption
When communicating remotely, applications transmit all data: audio, video, mouse movements, keyboard inputs, microphone, and camera feeds. To ensure that the transmission is secure and inaccessible to third parties, data encryption is required. Even if the data is intercepted by a potential hacker, it will be unreadable without the encryption key. One of the most secure methods is encryption compliant with AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard). It is based on a 256-bit key, meaning there are a vast number of possible key combinations, making hacker attacks practically impossible to carry out successfully. AES-256 encryption meets international requirements and is compliant with applicable regulations. It is also an essential element of remote desktop software and is the standard used by most available applications on the market.
2. End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
While it may seem that your data and communication with the other user are transmitted directly from one user to another, in reality, the data passes through remote desktop service provider servers and internet service provider routers, where they can be logged and stored. To prevent the service providers from being able to read your messages transmitted through, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is required. End-to-end ensures that data is encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted only on the recipient’s device. The intermediary servers along the way do not have access to it. This gives you a guarantee of 100% privacy protection for your data, protection against eavesdropping, cyberattacks, and access by third parties, which is particularly important when you transmit confidential information such as customer data or sensitive company documents. Even if the data is intercepted during transmission, it will be encrypted and unreadable without the encryption key. The security of key exchange between parties is ensured by using RSA algorithms.
3. Own Relay Server
What if you could bypass intermediary servers and operate only on your own infrastructure? By using your server, you would have full control over the infrastructure, you would be able to customize it to the needs and security standards of your organization and prevent access to resources by third parties. Having your own server allows you to become independent of external providers. It provides greater flexibility in managing infrastructure, and minimizes the risk of disruptions in accessing external services, which is especially important for larger organizations (e.g., manufacturing plants, warehouses, healthcare facilities). This is a unique solution offered only by a few remote desktop companies (see table).
4. TPM 2.0
If you want your remote connections to be even more secure and the encryption process more efficient, you can use TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) available in computers with Windows 11. TPM 2.0 enables data encryption directly at the hardware level. This means that encryption keys are stored and processed inside the TPM module, rather than on the computer’s disk, providing an additional layer of protection against external attacks (e.g., physical removal of the hard drive). This kind of hardware encryption is currently possible only in some applications (see table). This is a novelty in remote desktop software, thanks to which connections and data are also physically protected using private keys. The TPM module also limits attacks such as spoofing, as it provides a 100% guarantee that the computer initiating the connection is not a spoofed computer.
5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a login method that requires not only providing one identity authentication in the form of a password but also authorization through a code sent via SMS or email. This additional layer of protection significantly complicates access for unauthorized persons even if the password is stolen. It also protects against phishing attacks and increases confidence in the user’s identity. In case of failed login attempts or suspicious activity, administrators can quickly respond and take appropriate steps to secure the system. This is an effective way to increase data security used by most remote desktop application providers.
6. Fraud Protection
When fearing hacking attacks via remote desktop, we often mean so-called frauds, i.e., money scams or financial frauds. Protection against such crimes is a key element in choosing the most secure remote desktop software. Although two-factor authentication provides important protection, some applications (see table) offer additional security measures. Most frauds occur through users hidden behind VPNs, making them difficult to track. A remote desktop application should warn users if an attempt to connect to a device without a VPN is detected. Additionally, the user should always have insight into the email address of the person requesting access to the computer to ensure the identity of the initiating party. Although each remote desktop software generates an access password – it is worth choosing one that generates the strongest password, which provides an additional protection.
7. Biometric Identification
A novelty in the remote desktop application market is biometric identification, which involves authorizing users through their specific data, such as fingerprints, retinal images, or handwriting characteristics. In the case of larger organizations using remote desktop software, this will be a very effective tool to enhance data access security for the company – data loss by companies can generate multi-million-dollar losses and damage the company’s reputation. The creators of Remotly have announced work on biometric authentication, and we can expect their results soon.
In the table below, you will find a summary of the most important security aspects. Remember that choosing the right remote desktop tool can have a significant impact on data and communication security in your company and for your customers.
How to check which application meets your organization’s security requirements and best suits its needs? Just download a free license from each provider and test it. Unlimited access to the free version is available for AnyDesk and Remotly. TeamViewer limits the access to the free license to 14 days.
Table: Comparison of most secure remote desktop applications.
For more information, please visit the website: https://remotly.com/
Author: Mirillis Team