AnyDesk

Availability of features is dependent upon the license of the individual user. Some main features include:[14]

• Remote access for multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.)
• File transfer and manager
• Remote Print
• VPN
• Unattended access
• Whiteboard
• Auto-Discovery (automatic analysis of local network)
• Chat-Function
• REST-API
• Custom-Clients
• Session protocol
• Two-Factor-Authentication
• Individual host-server

In February 2019, Reserve Bank of India warned of an emerging digital banking fraud, explicitly mentioning AnyDesk as the attack-channel.[18] The general scam procedure is as follows: fraudsters get victims to download AnyDesk from the Google Play Store on their mobile phone, usually by mimicking the customer service of legitimate companies. Then, the scammers convince the victim to provide the nine-digit access code and to grant certain permissions.[19] After permissions are obtained and if no other security measures are in place, the scammers usually transfer money using the Unified Payment Interface.[20]

In May 2018, the Japanese cybersecurity firm Trend Micro discovered that cybercriminals bundled a new ransomware variant with AnyDesk, possibly as an evasion tactic masking the true purpose of the ransomware while it performs its encryption routine.[21][22]

Scammers have been known to use AnyDesk and similar remote desktop software to obtain full access to the victims computer by impersonating a technical support person.[23][24][25] The victim is asked to download and install AnyDesk and provide the attackers with access. When access is obtained, the attackers can control the computer and move personal files and sensitive data.

In 2017, the UK based ISP TalkTalk banned AnyDesk and similar software from all its networks to protect its users from scammers, cold calling victims and talking them into giving access to their computer. The software was removed from the blacklist after setting up a scam warning.[26]