AnyDesk is a popular remote desktop software that empowers users to access their devices remotely for legitimate purposes like IT support, remote work, and collaborative projects.
However, the prevalence of scammers misusing AnyDesk and other remote tools to exploit users’ trust and steal personal information, finances, and passwords necessitates heightened caution.
In this article, we’ll talk about whether AnyDesk is safe software and how to protect yourself from scams on AnyDesk.
Is AnyDesk safe and legit?
AnyDesk is a safe software usually employed by IT support teams to help customers or employees solve their technical problems.
The company began its operations in 2014 and claims the software has been downloaded over 700 million times. The company has regional HQs in countries like the US, Germany, Hong Kong, and China and an innovation hub in Georgia.
AnyDesk has some of the most sophisticated security features, including Single Sign-on (SSO), two-factor authentication (2FA), a 256-bit AES transport encryption and TLS 1.2 protocol.
The company is on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Tik Tok.
You can safely download the software and use it as per your need. However, we want to point out that many scams are happening worldwide, which we will deal with in the next section.
Also read: How to fix the ‘Could not connect to AnyDesk network’ error?
Decoding AnyDesk scams
As AnyDesk is widely used by technical support teams, it is like a gold mine for online fraudsters. They assume the guise of customer support representatives from reputable companies such as Microsoft, Apple, or Google.
Employing persuasive tactics, they convince targets of purported computer issues and propose to resolve them remotely via AnyDesk.
These imposters utilise a range of strategies to establish credibility:
- Displaying fake error messages or security alerts on victims’ screens.
- Coaxing victims to execute seemingly harmless tasks that inadvertently grant access to their systems.
- Falsely claiming malware or virus infections and demanding payment for removal.
- Requesting victims to log into sensitive accounts while under their remote access.
Perpetrators resort to coercive tactics, including threats of legal action or fines, to manipulate victims into submission. If victims succumb and download AnyDesk, they are forced into sharing a code facilitating remote access. With such access, scammers can exploit victim data in various ways, such as:
- Extracting personal details (name, address, phone number, email)
- Siphoning financial information (bank account details, credit card numbers, passwords)
- Facilitating identity theft for fraudulent activities
- Installing destructive malware or ransomware
- Deleting or encrypting files, demanding ransom for recovery
- Altering settings, passwords, and device accessibility
Also read: Anydesk the session has ended error: Quick Fix
How to detect AnyDesk scams?
Given that the scammers are employing sophisticated, distinguishing AnyDesk scams requires vigilance and knowledge about the world of cyber security.
Here’s how to recognise warning signs to prevent victimisation:
- Unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to represent reputable entities offering technical support.
- Requests to download AnyDesk or similar remote access software and share access codes.
- Pressure to act swiftly or threats of adverse consequences for non-compliance.
- Demand for unconventional payment methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency).
- Insistence of logging into sensitive accounts during remote access.
Now that we have understood how to detect AnyDesk scams let us now understand how to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Also read: Why is Anydesk showing waiting for image? Quick Fix
How to prevent AnyDesk scams?
Safeguarding against AnyDesk scams requires you to adopt certain preventive measures such as:
- Terminating unexpected calls from alleged representatives offering technical support.
- Refraining from downloading AnyDesk or remote access software without verifying the source.
- Withholding access codes and passwords from unfamiliar parties seeking remote access.
- Avoiding logging into sensitive accounts while under remote connection.
- Rejecting payments for unrequested services or dubious software.
- Reporting suspicious calls and emails to authorities and relevant companies.
- By maintaining up-to-date security through patches and antivirus software.
In conclusion, AnyDesk is safe and legitimate software currently serving hundreds of thousands of customers. However, while using the software, you should beware of scams and fraudsters and always apply the best practices mentioned above. If you do this, you will have no problems using AnyDesk.
Also read: How to uninstall AnyDesk?
