How to ensure secure usage of remote assistance tools?

Remote assistance tools enable a user to share their Windows or macOS device with another person over a remote connection. This enables the connecting user to remotely connect to the receiving user’s device and view its display, make annotations, or take full control, typically for troubleshooting.

Critical vulnerabilities in remote assistance tools

A remote assistance tool generally has a critical vulnerability that can be exploited in targeted attacks. This flaw allows attackers to extract files from a victim’s computer and upload them to a remote server without the victim’s knowledge due to a failure to sanitize configuration files. Understanding this vulnerability is essential for recognizing the risks involved in remote assistance tools. This weakness highlights the importance of securing these tools to prevent targeted attacks, where attackers trick victims into opening malicious configuration files. While this issue cannot be exploited on a large scale and requires social engineering, addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of remote assistance systems.

Security risks in remote assistance tools

Remote assistance tools face several critical security issues that can compromise the integrity of a target device.

• Threat actors can misuse remote assistance features to perform social engineering attacks by pretending to be trusted contacts, such as technical support or IT professionals from the target’s company.
• These attackers often use vishing attacks, where they deceive targets over the phone into disclosing sensitive information or performing actions by pretending to be someone they’re not.
• Such social engineering tactics can lead to unauthorized access to a device, exposing it to further exploitation.

Addressing these security concerns is essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of remote assistance tools.

Way forward

Prioritizing security measures to prevent vulnerabilities in remote assistance tools is essential. To support this effort, Security Quotient’s research team has developed an informative carousel titled “How to ensure secure usage of remote assistance tools.” Implementing these best practices will enhance your organization’s security posture and protect against potential threats.