Are Remote Desktop Programs Secure?

One question that a lot of people ask is whether Remote Connection programs are secure. As a general rule, the majority of remote connection software tools have advanced security features which prevent unauthorized access to your data and network. But of course, part of the responsibility of maintaining a secure environment also rests on the user and not only the software vendor. Here are some ways to ensure that your computer stays safe from hacking attacks when you use Remote Desktop software.

Make sure that both the host and client computers are free from malware

This is something that may seem obvious, but that many users neglect to do. First make sure that both the computer that will be accessed remotely and the remote computer you are using do not have any viruses, trojans or other undesirable software on them. Malware can do things such as intercept transferred files or record keystrokes, which can pose a security risk. There are plenty of free anti virus programs that you can use, as well as security tools that can analyze processes running on a system and help you determine whether your system could be infected.

Use Remote Computer software from reputable vendors

If security is a concern for you, then you should choose remote computer programs from reputable companies who have years of experience in the market. These vendors are more likely to have invested more resources into producing software that is safe and secure, and also into testing it.

Install all necessary software updates and patches

This applies not only to the remote desktop programs that you use, but also to other software that you run, such as the operating system, anti-malware programs, file transfer software, web browsers, etc. Software updates and patches often contain updates which fix known security flaws and potential vulnerabilities. As such, it is highly recommended that you keep your software up to date. This isn't hard to do, since most programs will let you know when an update becomes available via a simple pop up box. You can then download the update in the background as you continue working. You may be required to restart the program or your computer, but keeping your software up to date at all times can avoid you plenty of problems and is a necessity for anyone that cares about security in the IT world.

Don't forget the human aspect

Many security breaches, including some high profile ones involving government agencies and financial institutions were not sophisticated, high tech attacks, but actually quite simple ones that were facilitated by employees who were negligent about security. Some common mistakes include writing down passwords in places where they can easily be seen by everyone, carrying sensitive, unencrypted files on mobile devices that can easily be lost or stolen and using passwords which are either the default password for a certain program or can rapidly be guessed by others.