Technology News in Saint Cloud, MN

Remote Access - What Is at Risk?

A company contacts you online, (or you call in response to a phone number that pops up on your computer screen), offering you an opportunity that sounds too good to be true! How would you like to have a computer that is consistently running well, without the headache of dealing with viruses and other problems that plague technology users everywhere? Who would say “no” to that? For an annual fee and your willingness to give them ongoing access to your computer, they will log in remotely and take care of any issues that arise - without any interference to your online work. In fact, you won’t even know they are there! Hopefully that description is raising some red flags in your mind.

I can’t even tell you the number of people who have been taken in by this offer, fully believing that it will benefit them and that the company they are dealing with has their best interests in mind. Too good to be true? Absolutely! 

So, what are the risks of allowing someone to remote into your computer? What is at stake? And how can it put you at risk for identity theft, loss of personal finances, and invasion into your personal life? These are questions you need to consider before allowing unknown people to remote into your computer!

What is Remote Access? 

Remote Access is when you allow a person from another location to gain access to your computer. Once they are in, this person is in control. They can view your screen, take control of your mouse, install programs onto your computer, and see all the information that is stored on your system.

Why is Remote Access used? 

Remote access was developed to assist computer technicians to provide support for computers at other locations. Remote Access can be a valuable tool allowing companies to provide support from great distances, without the customer having to bring their computer into a shop for repair. When used for good, it is a powerful tool used by your trusted technician and a benefit to you.

How can Remote Access be misused? 

Do you remember my initial description? An online company with ongoing access to your computer, remoting in at will, without your awareness of when they are present? Now think of all the things you do on your computer - logging in to check your online banking, purchasing with your credit card, checking your investment and retirement accounts, to name only a few. Then envision a person you do not know from an online support company watching those transactions. Yikes! When a remote access session is initiated by a fraudulent individual, your computer, as well as your personal information, are at risk. It is as if the fraudulent individual is sitting at your desk, looking at your computer screen and gathering information about you. This is a serious threat that should not be taken lightly! 

What happens if I was tricked and a fraudulent person was in my computer?

If you have had an experience like this, granting access to your computer to an online company believing that they have your best interests in mind, it is best to turn off your computer and bring it directly into Computer Dynamics of St. Cloud! Mark and Katie will assist you in safeguarding your personal information and closing the connections these fraudulent people have to your computer. We have assisted hundreds of people who have had similar experiences. Feel free to call Computer Dynamics of St. Cloud at (320) 654-9703, we will be happy to answer your questions! 

Whom can I trust to remote access my computer? 

The best rule when knowing who to trust regarding remote access is to only allow your personal computer technician to access your computer, and only when you are present. Computer Dynamics of St. Cloud offers remote support for customers at their home and business locations, for circumstances when remote assistance is needed. However, each remote login session is time-limited and is initiated and ended by the owner of the computer. If you need remote assistance, call us or stop by our store to meet us face to face and let us know what kind of help you need – we will then set up a time to remote into your computer to fix your issue. 

Computer Dynamics of St. Cloud is easy to find, located in Saint Cloud on Division Street – right behind Red Lobster. We look forward to assisting you with all your computer needs!

Call us today to learn more about our computer services!

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