Explore what to look for in a remote control solution
If you’re a remote employee, what do you do when your technology lets you down? Ask for your support team to fix it, of course!
But if the remote support tool used to do the fixing isn’t as secure as it should be, then that’s a problem.
Keeping the cybercriminals out
Remote support solutions have long been a target for scammers who use them to try to access a target’s device and personal data. It’s a full-time job for solution providers to ensure that their product remains secure enough to enable reliable connections between technical operators and client devices, while keeping bad actors firmly on the outside.
Sometimes though, the cybercriminals manage to get ahead and find a way in, despite a company’s best efforts. All that solution providers can do in that case is take swift remedial action to minimise any damage and restore their reputation with their customers and peers. It’s a harsh world.
The best defence
In that case, what should businesses look for when they choose a secure remote control solution for their IT team?
We’re all aware of what cybercriminals do: data breaches, unauthorised access, ransomware, malware – and more. So, at the very least, a robust solution should be secure by design and built on a zero trust architecture, as well as include components like end-to-end encryption and role-based access that only allows operators to have a level of access appropriate to their position or experience. Real-time monitoring and proactive security alerts can help technicians to identify and minimise an attack before it escalates – and tightening up security at each end of the connection with multi-factor authentication will all combine to help keep user and company data safe, while keeping cybercriminals out.
Do your homework
Putting extra effort into your research before you choose a remote support solution will pay off. Check the solution’s track record, customer reviews and reliability scores – and test, test and test it again in your own environment.
Ask the vendor if it complies with your specific industry’s regulations for data protection, whether that’s GDPR or its equivalents across the world. In addition, see what customers have to say about the solutions they use. You can read the customer case studies on the vendor’s site, but doing a general Google search can bring up even more insightful information for you to consider.
Checking software review sites such as Capterra can give you a feel for how different solutions are positioned for different industries. It can also supply you with a range of customer reviews to help you make the right decision for your company.
Two great solutions for your IT team
NetSupport Manager
NetSupport Manager is a feature-rich solution that is tried and trusted by millions of users worldwide. It’s known for being one of the very best in its field – read this NetSupport Manager PC Pro review to find out why!
247connect
247connect provides instant, secure support to managed and on-demand devices. It’s scalable, secure, low-cost and easy to use. Discover more here.
Originally published 8 March 2024. Updated 28 March 2025.