A new attack made against TeamViewer shows how much hackers exploit screen sharing software. How to do secure screen sharing
To use a proverb, you could say that hackers know (and think) more than the devil. In recent times, for example, cyber criminals have been trying to infiltrate users’ computers all over the world by putting fake versions of widely used programs into circulation with phishing attacks or fake system updates.
In recent days, for example, Check Point’s IT security experts have uncovered an attack by Russian hackers on several European embassies using an infected version of TeamViewer. This is not the first time, by the way, that cyber criminals have exploited the notoriety of this software to get hold of confidential information stored on the PCs of unsuspecting users. Regardless of the screen sharing program you use, there are some best practices to follow that allow you to do screen sharing safely.
How to share your screen safely
There are some basic tips to keep your security up while sharing your desktop with others. First, make sure the app or service you’re using for sharing is the original, official one and not a version modified by hackers. The problem with TeamViewer arose because hackers managed to crack the software and get embassies to download it by convincing them through a trivial phishing email. Then always keep your antivirus up to date and make sure it is active during the video call: if by chance an attack arrives to your PC during the connection, it is likely that it will be blocked by a good security software. The more experienced can also run videoconferencing and screen-sharing software while connected via a virtual private network: the VPN always offers an extra layer of security, anonymizing your PC and shielding it from attacks because the connection always goes through a remote server with encryption and various security systems in place.
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