Question Why do scammers use AnyDesk, and should it be flagged by Antivirus software?

[Ink]

Does AnyDesk do enough to protect their users? Is it really used by millions of genuine customers?

AnyDesk is used legitimately by millions of IT professionals worldwide, to remotely connect to their clients' devices to help with technical issues. However, scammers can try to misuse AnyDesk (or any other remote access software) to connect to your computer and steal data, access codes, and even money.

Read more: AnyDesk: How to Avoid Remote Access Scams

Should remote access software be flagged as PUA?
PUA = Potentially Unwanted Application

 

[silversurfer]

Remote Access Software (RAS) can be handy even for home users, TeamViewer in my case for maintenance some computers from my family members, sometimes there is just a problem to understand software and so it takes a few minutes to help those people. I don't have to drive always a long tour for the job.

Of course, the downside, RAS are risky software that can be abused by cyber-criminals.

Regardless, I would say NO for AVs detection as PUA, even otherwise it's no problem for me to handle, but that wouldn't be safe for average PC users

 

[TairikuOkami]

The point of a remote access software is to be easy to use, because it is mostly used by people, who do not know any better. Can it be abused, of course, what can not these days?!
I could imagine RAS to provide Verified badge for reputable tech support, but then again, most people would not know about it, unless RAS would give a straight warning at each launch.

 

[Marko :)]

I wouldn't block or flag the software per se. I'd rather add ability in AV software to warn user when launches the remote desktop software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer...) that it could be used for scam and become victim of one. And obviously add something like "if the person you don't know offers you help remotely and ask you for remote desktop data, don't share it".

 

[harlan4096]

I use AnyDesk (paid) almost everyday in my working from home, It saves me a lot of trips and outings

 

[upnorth]

Anydesk no, because it can be automatic blocked during for example genuine banking sessions, and some AVs already has that clever feature implemented by default.

 

[Jonny Quest]

Anydesk no, because it can be automatic blocked during for example genuine banking sessions, and some AVs already has that clever feature implemented by default.

Do you mean something like this?

 

[cruelsister]

AnyDesk is the go-to app for scammers to use. However a common method is for the victim to be asked to actually go to their bank, withdraw money directly there and mail it to some Mule somewhere. An alternative is to have the victim acquire and mail Gift cards. Both methods will bypass any intrinsic AnyDesk protection.

The one danger for the Scammer is that (as you guys know) AnyDesk is a 2 way street, and in the hands of certain folk the Scammers system can be hijacked and all sorts of fun stuff can ensue (fun for me, at least).

 

[upnorth]

Do you mean something like this?

View attachment 279555

But, as I mentioned elsewhere. It ain't a panacea and never will be, but thankfully some banks and payment systems are simply better and more safe then others, as they don't work the exact same in all countries.