Security is vital for any tool used for remote access, and AnyDesk is no exception. For businesses, it is essential to ensure that the use of AnyDesk meets security standards and complies with international regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. In this guide, we’ll cover AnyDesk security settings, best practices for secure use, and regulation compliance requirements.

Understanding AnyDesk Security Protocols

AnyDesk uses several security protocols to protect its users’ sessions and data. These include:
Encryption

256-bit AES Encryption: All AnyDesk sessions are encrypted with 256-bit AES encryption. This ensures that the data transmitted cannot be read or modified by third parties.

TLS 1.2 encryption. This protocol protects against data interception and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Double Authentication (2FA).
Enable 2FA: AnyDesk supports the use of dual authentication to protect user accounts. This adds an additional layer of security by requiring a second form of identification (e.g., password from an authentication application) in addition to the password.
Use Authentication Apps. Enabling 2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
The use of authentication enables you to enable the use of authentication without the risk of unauthorized access.
White List Configuration: Administrators can create IP address lists, allowing only specific IPs to access devices through AnyDesk. This adds an additional layer of access control.
Blacklist configuration: Administrators can also create IP address lists (black lists) to prevent access from unauthorized or suspicious IPs.

Security Settings for Data Protection and Remote Sessions.
Password Management
Select Strong Password: Ensure that all passwords are strong, i.e. contain upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. A strong password makes it harder to break into your account.
Regular Password Change: Encourage users to change their passwords regularly to reduce the risk of a breach. Regularly changing passwords is a good practice to enhance security.
Avoiding Shared Passwords: Avoid using common or easily guessed passwords, such as “123456” or “password”. Use unique and complex passwords for each account.
Enable dual authentication (2FA).
Security settings: Go to AnyDesk settings and select the “Security” tab. Here you can enable dual authentication.
In the Authentication Application Login: Follow the instructions to connect the authentication app of your choice. Scan the QR code and enter the code generated by the app to complete the process.
Authentication Verification: Each time you log into AnyDesk, you will need to enter the code generated by the authentication app, adding an extra layer of security.
Access Rights Management.
Set Permissions: Through the AnyDesk management console, administrators can set specific access rights for each user and device. You can control which users can access which devices and which actions are allowed (e.g., screen viewing, keyboard and mouse control, file transfer).
Create User Groups: Organize your users into groups and assign access rights per group. This makes it easier to manage permissions and ensures that only authorized users have access to specific devices and information.
Restrict Access Based on Roles: create roles with specific access rights and assign them to users based on their needs. This ensures that users only have the permissions they need for their job.

Tips for Using AnyDesk Safely in Corporate Environments
User Training
Training on Using AnyDesk: Train your users on best practices for using AnyDesk securely. This includes recognizing and avoiding phishing attacks, using strong passwords, and ensuring that remote access sessions are encrypted.
Regular Security Review: Implement a regular security review to check AnyDesk security settings and ensure they are up to date with the latest specifications. These reviews can help detect potential vulnerabilities and implement corrective measures.
Educate on Compliance Regulations. Explain to them how AnyDesk’s security settings help comply with these regulations.

Monitoring and Reporting
Activity Logging: enable activity logging for all remote sessions. This will allow you to track who is logged in, when and for what purpose. Activity logging is useful for detecting and preventing security breaches.
Security Reports: Create regular security reports to analyze remote access activities and identify potential security issues. These reports can be used to analyze performance and detect anomalies.
Compliance Monitoring: use AnyDesk’s reporting capabilities to track compliance with security regulations. This can help ensure that all remote access activities meet security standards and compliance regulations.

Compliance with international security standards and regulations.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Data Protection: AnyDesk complies with GDPR by protecting users’ personal data through encryption and secure data management. AnyDesk ensures that all settings and procedures comply with GDPR requirements.
Data Management. Implement data retention policies that comply with GDPR requirements, ensuring that data is deleted when no longer necessary.

User Consent: Ensure that you obtain users’ consent for the collection and processing of their personal data as required by the GDPR. This includes informing users of how and why their data will be processed.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA compliance: for healthcare organizations, HIPAA compliance is essential. AnyDesk provides tools and settings to ensure that remote sessions and data are HIPAA compliant.

Staff Training: Train your staff on HIPAA requirements and how to use AnyDesk in a way that ensures compliance. This includes ensuring data is encrypted and all remote sessions are recorded.

Health Data Management Policies: Implement health data management policies that comply with HIPAA requirements. These policies should cover the collection, storage, processing and deletion of health data.

Use of Advanced Security Features

Security Policies

Create Security Policies: Create security policies that cover the use of AnyDesk in your organization. These policies should include instructions for using the tool, managing passwords, implementing dual authentication, and tracking activities.

Implement Security Policies: Apply security policies to all users and devices through AnyDesk’s centralized management. This will ensure that all users comply with the policies and that security settings are uniform across the organization.

Regular Policy Review: Regularly review security policies to ensure they are up to date with the latest threats and best practices. Update policies whenever necessary to maintain a high level of security.

Monitor and Manage

Activity Monitoring: use AnyDesk’s monitoring capabilities to track remote access activities in real-time. This includes monitoring connections, file transfers, and screen shares.

Report Analysis: Analyze activity reports to identify potential security issues and take corrective action. Reports can help you understand your use of AnyDesk and identify any anomalies or suspicious activities.

Automated Management: use AnyDesk’s automated management capabilities to ensure that security settings are automatically applied to all users and devices. This reduces the chance of human error and ensures that security policies are applied uniformly.

In a few words

Security and compliance are fundamental to using AnyDesk in professional environments. By following the guidelines in this guide, you can ensure that AnyDesk is used in a secure and compliant manner, protecting your data and ensuring the integrity of remote sessions. With proper management of security settings and regular user training, AnyDesk can become a valuable tool for remote support and management of your company’s IT systems.