On remote control softwares like AnyDesk and Team Viewer

As we know these softwares are quite commonly used by IT experts and tech support persons for helping their clients, for which the software needs to be downloaded & installed in the clients' computer.  After the tech support's work is done, is it okay for the client to retain the software in their device or would it be more advisable to uninstall it?

The client should uninstall the remote control software after use because that will stop a cybercriminal from leveraging it for unauthorized remote access.

Thanks a lot .. I thought the same.

You are most welcome, Songbird_68!

Just one more query.  After uninstalling the software still stays in the download folder. Is it advisable to delete it from there?

Edited by Songbird_68, 15 January 2024 - 04:32 AM.

No, the client should keep the remote control software in the downloads folder so that whenever she/he/they need to use the software again, they can quickly reinstall it without having to redownload it.

Okay .. so if it remains in the download folder, you're sure it isn't a security risk?   Actually download of this software takes only a few minutes.

If the client prefers to redownload the remote control software the next time they need to use it, they would always get the latest version of it, and install that on their computer.

However, if the client keeps downloaded software in the download folder for a long time, it will get outdated and may contain still unpatched zero-day vulnerabilities, which will be a security risk that a cybercriminal could exploit to install malware.

My personal experience with remote control software is limited to once being sucessfully helped by a security software developer, whom I granted authorized access to my computer to resolve a local issue on my end, and my knowledge thereof is only practical but not technical.

A brief comment of my understanding of a Windows Download Folder and please correct me if I am wrong.

 

When one downloads a piece of Software, it appears in your Downloads Folder. You then click on it and install it.

 

That Software now exists in your Programs Folder as a useable Program/App.

 

My understanding is that you now "Delete" the Installation File from your Download Folder.

 

If you wish to keep the Software in your Programs Folder is a decision entirely up to you.

 

As someone who is mildly paranoiac, with the likes of Team Viewer and similar Apps. Unless I expected it to be required by the same Agency within the next few days, I would remove it.

If the client prefers to redownload the remote control software the next time they need to use it, they would always get the latest version of it, and install that on their computer.

However, if the client keeps downloaded software in the download folder for a long time, it will get outdated and may contain still unpatched zero-day vulnerabilities, which will be a security risk that a cybercriminal could exploit to install malware.
 

 

Agree with you.  I had some technical issues with my laptop which the tech support expert resolved through remote software couple of days ago.  Yesterday I uninstalled the software but the downloaded file was still in my device.  So I suppose it's best to delete the downloaded file.  Even if I need it in the near future will take few minutes to re-download & install.  

Just one more query.  After uninstalling the software still stays in the download folder. Is it advisable to delete it from there?

I suggest uninstalling it (for security).
And
Delete the downloaded installer - if you need it again in the future, you'll want a fresh download (in the event that the program might have been updated in the interim).
There's no need to clutter your downloads folder with outdated program installers.
But leaving the installer in your downloads folder - but not installed - is not a security risk, per se.

TBH I think you're over-thinking this. ;-)

.....  Unless I expected it to be required by the same Agency within the next few days, I would remove it.

 

Absolutely right, I agree.

@ MoxieMomma  .. exactly, you're right.  It's always better to be careful.  Seemed like the tech support expert wasn't too concerned about this matter and didn't think there was anything wrong keeping the software without uninstalling.  But somehow I felt a bit uneasy considering how active cyber hackers are  in present times.  

Edited by Songbird_68, 15 January 2024 - 09:02 AM.

Unless it's actually installed, there's no real risk to having the installer file in your downloads folder.

But it's needless clutter and it may be outdated by the next time you need it.

Just uninstall it and get rid of the downloaded file. :-)

Cheers

I stand corrected that keeping software installer files in the downloads folder does NOT represent a security risk.

 

As such, I wish I could edit my previous post to correct this, but that would be pointless because the OP already quoted it.