AnyDesk is a remote desktop (RDP) application that connects and allows access to a computer device, such as a desktop computer, laptop, or mobile phone, from outside a local area network through a different device.
A remote desktop is different from screen-sharing features common in many collaboration applications like Zoom, Microsoft Team, or Skype. AnyDesk allows the interaction between two or more remote devices, giving users some privileges reserved only to the device’s administrator, such as opening folders or transferring protected files.
What is AnyDesk for?
Access to a remote device is simplified by AnyDesk. It empowers users to control their computers at home or work from miles away or provide tech support to a client or colleague halfway around the world. Used as a collaboration tool, AnyDesk allows authorized users to transfer files remotely, provide remote support, monitor multiple devices, and connect with office devices regardless of their location.
How does AnyDesk work?
AnyDesk connects devices through a secure network, allowing users to control, manage, and perform activities on a computer device in a different location. An authorization is requested from the desired device. A session request sent must be accepted manually by the user on the other end. Or, when using a personal device, a password can be set. Once connected, users can use the device’s functions and applications from the computer located in a different place.
Read more on AnyDesk and other the top remote desktop applications with Enterprise Networking Planet’s top solutions roundup.
What are AnyDesk’s key features?
Detailed session reporting, customization, and remote reboot are some of AnyDesk’s key features. Its low latency and high frame rates help facilitate quick interaction and communication between devices. It can be set up using a private enterprise network to access multiple on-premises devices, even without an internet connection.
AnyDesk employs a military-grade Transport Layer Security (TLS), RSA 2048 asymmetric encryption, and purpose-built Erlang technologies to protect devices from unauthorized access.
What are its pros?
Some of the advantages of AnyDesk include:
- Remote access to a computer anywhere and anytime
- An invaluable tool for IT professionals, remote employees, and students for their collaborative projects or assignments
- A powerful remote support solution for resolving customer problems with their devices
- Helps IT teams manage or track multiple devices from a single laptop or desktop
- Work from home employees can connect to their office-based work computer.
What are the cons?
As is the case with any platform that relies on protected, verified access, humans are the weakest link in cybersecurity. Hackers can employ various types of social engineering to get usernames and passwords, then connect with devices through a remote desktop application.
What are some alternatives to Anydesk?
- TeamViewer competes with AnyDesk in terms of features and functionality. It is secure and transfers data in quality audio and video in real-time.
- Microsoft Remote Desktop is a free tool available in Windows.
- SolarWinds Dameware Remote Everywhere (DRE) offers a lightweight ticketing system, allowing users to track requests from end-users and simultaneously resolve issues.
- Chrome Remote Desktop competes with AnyDesk in popularity. Anyone can install it from the Chrome Web Store. Supporting multiple platforms, it has a simple user interface that will be familiar to Chrome users.
