What does it mean when a computer technician is remotely accessing your computer?
When a technician is remotely accessing your computer, you may be able to see what they are doing. Often, remote access software will show the other person’s actions to you on the screen. In addition to being able to see, there may be some kind of communication between you and the technician. This could be in the form of a voice or a chatbox.
Why Would You Want to Provide Remote Access?
There are several legitimate reasons to provide access to your computer. For instance, a remote desktop for Mac or PC can allow you to access files and folders stored on your computer when you are not near it.
What Are the Risks Involved in Giving Remote Access?
Before you let anyone else have remote access to your computer, you should, first of all, consider the risks .
What to Do If Someone Wants to Access Your Computer?
If someone does want to access your computer and they have phoned you, there is a strong chance that this is a hoax .
How to protect your computer from cybercriminals?
You should ensure that you have both antivirus and firewall protection installed and that you keep this updated. Make sure that you download and install all updates to your operating system.
What are the benefits of remote access?
The other benefit of being able to provide remote access is that a technician can get into your machine and fix any software problems that you may have.
What to do if you receive an unsolicited call?
If the call is unsolicited, ask for some credentials or proof of identity before you proceed in downloading, installing, or setting up any remote access software.
What is remote access?
Remote access is a useful tool to allow a trusted individual access to your computer for support or other purposes. The key is that you must know and trust the individual, just as you would if you handed the computer to them. NEVER allow remote access to someone whom you don’t know or who contacts you.
Can you watch a remote technician?
Watching isn’t always enough. Most remote access tools let you watch the technician’s activities. That’s often instructive. Some include voice, so you can talk to the technician and they can explain what they’re doing or answer questions along the way. The problem is this can lead to a false sense of security.
Can you remotely access someone who called you?
Never allow remote access to someone who called you.
Can a technician visit your home?
They can do whatever they want. It’s like having a technician visit your home or taking your machine into a shop for repair. You’re giving that person control. Presumably, that means resolving the issues bringing you to them in the first place, and nothing else malicious along the way. It’s all about trust.
Is it safe to allow remote access?
It can be safe to allow remote access, but it requires absolute trust. The risks are significant, especially since scammers have become involved.
Do remote access companies care about their reputation?
Presumably, they care about their reputation and your power to impact it. Companies that provide remote access support are often distant, faceless entities on the internet. It’s not uncommon for them to be in a completely different country.