AnyDesk

Availability of features is dependent upon the license of the individual user. Some main features include:[19]

• Remote access for multiple operating systems (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.[23] 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.[24] After permissions are obtained and if no other security measures are in place, the scammers usually transfer money using the Indian Unified Payment Interface.[25] A similar scam took place in 2020, according to Kashmir Cyber police.[26] The same method of theft is widely used internationally on either mobile phones or computers: a phone call convinces a person to allow connection to their device, typically from a caller claiming to be a service provider to "solve problems with the computer/phone", warning that Internet service will otherwise be disconnected, or from a caller claiming to be a financial institution because "there have been suspicious withdrawal attempts from your account".

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.[27][28]

Scammers use AnyDesk and similar remote desktop software to obtain full access to the victims' computer by impersonating a technical support person.[29][30][31] 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 TeamViewer and similar software from all its networks after scammers cold called victims and talked them into giving access to their computer. The software was removed from the blacklist after setting up a scam warning.[32] In September 2021, the State Bank of India warned customers not to install AnyDesk or similar apps.[33] In March 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a cybersecurity advisory noting that AnyDesk software was used in the operations of the AvosLocker ransomware gang.[34]

In 2023 AnyDesk announced the establishment of an "Anti-Fraud Task Force" in partnership with a number of prominent scam baiters such as Jim Browning in an initiative to combat technical support scams and abuse of remote-access software.[35]