How to Secure Your TeamViewer Sessions: Essential Tips for Privacy and Protection

To ensure that your TeamViewer sessions remain private and secure, it’s essential to properly configure and utilize the various security features the platform offers. This step-by-step guide will help you protect your remote sessions effectively.

Use Strong and Secure Passwords

1. Set Up Temporary Passwords:

   • When initiating a session, always opt for temporary passwords instead of a static password. Temporary passwords are unique for each session and generated automatically.

2. Establish Custom Passwords:

   • If you need to access your device regularly, create a strong and secure custom password. Avoid common or easily guessable passwords.

   How to configure:

   • Open TeamViewer and navigate to “Extras” > “Options”.
   • In the “Security” tab, set your password in the “Unattended Access Password” field.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

1. Activate 2FA:

   • Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring an additional code along with your password.

   How to enable:

   • Go to “Extras” > “Options” > “Security”.
   • In the “Two-Factor Authentication” section, follow the instructions to set up an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator.

Configure Session Permissions

1. Granular Permissions:

   • Define specific permissions for each session, such as full control or view-only, based on your needs.

   How to adjust permissions:

   • During a session, you can modify permissions from the “Connection” panel in the TeamViewer window. Choose what actions to allow the remote user.

2. Review Permissions Before Connecting:

   • Check the permissions you’ve configured before starting a connection to ensure they align with your privacy and security requirements.

Utilize the Trusted Contacts List

1. Add to Trusted Contacts:

   • You can add devices and users to your trusted contacts list for easier access and to ensure that only authorized individuals can connect to your device.

   How to manage contacts:

   • In TeamViewer, go to “Contacts” and add the trusted people or devices. This also simplifies management for frequent access.

Set Up Automatic Screen Locking

1. Activate Automatic Lock:

   • Configure your device to automatically lock when a remote session ends. This prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing your device when you are not present.

   How to configure:

   • Navigate to “Extras” > “Options” > “Security”.
   • Enable the “Lock the device at the end of a session” option.

Review and Manage Active Sessions

1. Check Active Sessions:

   • Regularly review active sessions to ensure there are no unauthorized connections.

   How to review:

   • In the main TeamViewer window, go to “Connections” to view a history of sessions and recent activities.

2. Close Inactive Sessions:

   • If you see any active sessions that you do not recognize or that are not in use, close them immediately from the “Connections” panel.

Configure Network Restrictions

1. Restrict Access by IP:

   • You can limit access to your device by allowing only specific IP addresses or networks.

   How to configure:

   • In “Extras” > “Options” > “Advanced”, find the “Network Restrictions” option and set the allowed IPs.

Regularly Update TeamViewer

1. Install Updates:

   • Keep your TeamViewer software up to date to benefit from the latest security patches and enhancements.

   How to update:

   • TeamViewer will typically notify you of available updates. Ensure you install updates as soon as they are available.

For those seeking an alternative to TeamViewer that prioritizes security in remote access sessions, we recommend trying AnyDesk. This platform offers similar functionalities with a focus on privacy and robust security features that can help you mitigate the described risks.