In this modern age, mobile work and telecommuting would require the aid of a software that allows people to remotely control their PC either from home or at the office. One such software is TeamViewer, something that makes use of the Internet to access files and perform work as if they were actually in front of the PC (though slower).
Regardless, the fact that TeamViewer allows anyone to access their PC with a username and password (or a set one that allows them to automatically connect to the PC remotely) is now under scrutiny with word that a third party has found a way to breach the connection. And once that happens, bad things are bound to follow.
The word out right now is that TeamViewer has allowed the hackers to do dastardly things which have gone as far as stealing money through online services like PayPal or eBay. Reddit users are now flooding a thread seeking advice.
For those who are unfamiliar with TeamViewer, it should be noted that this is not a backdoor but a gateway that actually allows users to take control of a PC. That includes easy access to files stored and keying in usernames and passwords with possibly third party hackers observing it all.
TeamViewer has denied the hacks and claims that the problem is not with the system but with the users’ individual credentials. Unfortunately some are not convinced of the company’s statement and believe that there is a certain flaw behind this issue.
While all that out is being sorted out, BGR offers the following counter measures for people until this mess involving TeamViewer is ironed out.
- Log out of your Teamviewer account on any machines running the service, to access cannot be gained
- Uninstall Teamviewer
- Check the log, which can be found under Extras (Open log files) and check for unusual and unexpected incoming connections.
- Check your credit cards, PayPal and eBay accounts for suspicious activity
- Change the password on your Teamviewer account
