Is AnyDesk safe? Avoid AnyDesk scams

What is AnyDesk?

AnyDesk is a software program that allows users to access computers and other devices remotely. Each user receives a unique AnyDesk ID, which other users can enter to connect to that device. Once the first user accepts the connection request, the second user will see their screen and access the device as if they were physically there. This feature allows users to make changes to the system as needed. 

Many companies use AnyDesk for legitimate purposes, such as remote IT support and collaboration. The platform is particularly helpful for organizations with a global workforce or customer base because you don’t need to be in the same room to solve technical problems. 

What is AnyDesk used for?

AnyDesk is primarily used by IT and customer service teams for remote access to computers and mobile devices. It helps these teams solve technical problems when they can’t physically access the devices. 

For example, say an employee works remotely in California, but their company’s IT team is based in New York. When the employee encounters a technical issue, the IT team uses AnyDesk to temporarily take control of their computer and fix it. 

For fully remote teams, AnyDesk also provides an easy way to configure devices for new employees. During the onboarding process, employees receive their work devices in the mail. IT teams log into these devices using AnyDesk to download necessary software programs and put cybersecurity protections in place. 

Some companies also use AnyDesk for customer support. This approach is most common among B2B service providers or consultancies that provide technical products or services. However, many companies are moving away from using AnyDesk for external IT support due to its potential for abuse by scammers. 

Is AnyDesk safe?

Yes, AnyDesk is a safe software platform. It includes a number of helpful security features, including 256-bit AES encryption and multi-factor authentication. These features help keep remote access activity private. 

However, this platform is often misused by hackers and scammers, so it’s essential to remain vigilant. You should only download AnyDesk if asked to do so by a trusted IT professional at your organization. If something feels off about the situation, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using AnyDesk until you get more information. 

What are AnyDesk scams?

AnyDesk scams are a common tactic among hackers looking to access personal accounts and steal sensitive data. These hackers use social engineering techniques like phishing to get you to download AnyDesk and share your ID.

To launch attacks, scammers will pose as a legitimate organization or trusted contact. They’ll also create a sense of urgency to get you to respond quickly. For example, they might say that your device is infected with malware and that following their instructions is the only way to remove it. 

Once the hackers gain access to your systems, they will wreak havoc, often stealing your personal data to sell on the dark web. Many hackers also use AnyDesk scams to take control of both personal and professional accounts.

You need to watch out for many different types of AnyDesk scams. These include: 

• Fake tech support messages. Someone sends you an email or messages you on social media claiming to be an IT professional from a well-known tech company, such as Apple, Google, or Microsoft. They tell you that something is wrong with your device or that your personal information has been exposed and that they can help you fix it with AnyDesk. 
• Fake website pop-ups. You’re browsing the web on your computer or mobile device when a pop-up appears warning you that your device has been compromised by malware. It prompts you to click a link to “eliminate” the malware but instead takes you to a site where you’ll be prompted to download AnyDesk and share your ID. 
• Fake bank fraud alerts. You receive an email, text message, or voicemail claiming that your bank account has been targeted by identity thieves. The message prompts you to call a fake customer support number, where you’ll be instructed to download AnyDesk. From there, the scammer takes control of your device to access your bank account and other sensitive details. 
• Fake work-from-home jobs. Hackers often use employment scams to take advantage of job seekers who want to work remotely. You’ll apply to a job listing for a fully remote position and receive an offer right away. Your new “boss” tells you that they’ll use AnyDesk to set up your work software, but instead, they steal your personal information and ghost you afterward. 

If you think you’re being targeted by an AnyDesk scam, be sure to report it to keep yourself and others safe online. Many companies and online platforms have features where you can report a phishing text, email, or social media message. 

How to spot an AnyDesk scam

If you’ve been asked to download AnyDesk, stop and evaluate whether the message is legitimate before proceeding. If you notice any of the following red flags, that’s likely a sign you’re being scammed. 

• Unsolicited requests for access. Someone contacts you offering IT support via AnyDesk to fix your device, but you’ve never heard of them and haven’t requested any IT help. You also haven’t noticed any issues with your device that would require this type of support. 
• Pressure tactics. The scammer tells you to download AnyDesk and share your ID right away. Otherwise, you’ll lose money or your personal information will be stolen. Hackers often create fake emergencies to incite panic and encourage you to act before you’ve had a chance to do any research. 
• Suspicious links or attachments. Scam messages will often prompt you to download AnyDesk via a link with an odd URL or via an email attachment. The only way to download AnyDesk legitimately is through the official AnyDesk website. Don’t click on these links or open these attachments because they likely contain malware that’s made to look like AnyDesk. 
• Requests for personal information. Scammers often make odd requests for personal information that aren’t relevant to the situation at hand. For example, they might claim they need your address, Social Security number, or bank account number to fix your computer.
• Unprofessional communication. The scammer’s messages are full of spelling and grammar mistakes, and they use rude or informal language that wouldn’t be acceptable in a professional setting. Alternatively, they might send messages that are obviously generated with AI tools. 
• No confirmation of identity. Scammers provide little to no information about who they are, who they work for, or their professional background. If they have a social media profile, it’s very limited, without many photos or relevant details. 
• Unexpected payment requests. Out of the blue, the scammer demands payment to “fix your device.” They require access to your bank account information or credit card details. They might also ask you to send them gift cards or money with a peer-to-peer transfer service like Venmo. 

What to do if you fell victim to an AnyDesk scam

If you think you’ve fallen victim to an AnyDesk scam, you’ll need to take action right away. Follow these steps to report the attack and regain control of your device.

1. 1.Report the scam to your financial providers. Report the scam immediately to your bank and any other financial service providers you work with. They can help you freeze your accounts so that the scammer can’t access your funds. Now is also the time to contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to freeze your credit. This way, your score won’t be affected if the hacker tries to take out loans in your name. 
2. 2.Check for account compromises and change your passwords. Next, go through all your digital accounts, including work accounts, personal social media accounts, and shopping accounts. You’ll need to do this on a different device than the one that was compromised. If you still have access to the account, change the password immediately and enable multi-factor authentication. If you’ve been locked out of the account, contact the support team right away to regain access. 
3. 3.Take your device to an IT specialist in person. Go to a local IT repair specialist you trust to have your device examined. The hackers may have left malware or viruses on your computer that should be removed by a professional. 
4. 4.Report the scam to local and federal authorities. If you lost money in an AnyDesk scam, contact your local police department to file a report. You can also file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
5. 5.File any other relevant scam reports. Many email providers and social media platforms have forms where you can report cybercrime. File a report on the platform where the scam happened to prevent others from becoming victims in the future. 

How to stay safe while using AnyDesk

If you need to use AnyDesk for your job, take safety precautions to protect yourself from threat actors. Follow these steps to stay safe while using AnyDesk:

• Verify AnyDesk requests before accepting. Before interacting with anyone on AnyDesk, confirm their identity and why they’re connecting first. Make sure the sender is affiliated with your organization and that they’re connecting for legitimate purposes. Be extremely cautious of unsolicited requests.
• Use access management best practices. Make sure that everyone in your organization uses a strong AnyDesk password with 2FA for an extra layer of security. What is considered a strong password? Anything that’s at least 10 characters and includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. 
• Enable session permission requests. By turning this setting on, you ensure that AnyDesk asks your permission before anyone else can access your device, even if they already have your AnyDesk ID. 
• Regularly update AnyDesk. Hackers often use vulnerabilities in outdated software to launch attacks. Keeping AnyDesk updated helps prevent these attacks, so try to install new updates and patches right when they’re released. 
• Remain vigilant about phishing messages. Many AnyDesk scams start with a phishing email, text message, or social media message where the hacker is posing as a trusted organization. Learn how to spot phishing messages in real time and use anti-phishing software to block them.