For getting started, we are proud to present you with the Six Golden Security Rules, we recommend to all our users.
General
After installing Teamviewer and setting up your TeamViewer Account, the first thing you want to set up is your individual security level based on your demand.
1. Set up Two-factor authentication
a.) Two-factor authentication (2FA) helps to stop hackers from getting into your accounts, even if they have your password.
Two-factor authentication for your TeamViewer account provides an extra layer of protection to secure your TeamViewer account from unauthorized access.
In addition to your password, a second factor (security code) is needed to log in to your TeamViewer account.
To log in to your TeamViewer account you need to enter:
- your email address and
- your password and
- the security code
Find a detailed description of how to set up Two-factor authentication and more information here:
Now with your Account setup and properly protected, let´s check your TeamViewer Installation.
b.) Two-factor authentication for connections enables you to allow or deny connections via push notifications on a mobile device.
TFA for connections offers an extra layer of protection to desktop computers.
When enabled, connections to that computer need to be approved using a push notification sent to specific mobile devices.
2. Set up Easy Access
If you ever want to connect to this device, we recommend setting up Easy Access for unattended access.
Easy Access is TeamViewer’s password-less access functionality that can be seen as the most modern and secure setup for unattended access.
3. Set up an Allow List
A strict AllowList makes sure that only people or devices you define upfront can connect to your device.
If you never want anyone except you making a connection to your device, you only add your own account to the Allow List. If several people should be able to connect, you can add them individually or even allow all members of a company profile.
If there is someone who only needs to make a connection once, you can add him to your Allow List manually and remove them after the connection again.
4. Strong password hygiene
Wherever a password is needed, make sure to follow general password best practices:
- In general, aspire to create a password that is truly unique
- Strong passwords are at least 8 characters long, ideally combining uppercase and lowercase letters with number digits as well as special characters
- Please do not use dictionary words or terminology that might be used commonly by other people
- Using 3 random words is a good way to create a strong, unique password that you will remember. Do not use words that can be guessed (like your pet’s name). You can include numbers and symbols if you need to. For example, “RedPantsTree4!”
- You should avoid adjacent keyword combinations like “qwerty” or “1q2w3e4r”
- A password manager can help with discipline and makes sure you do not lose or forget your unique and strong passwords.
⚠We encourage you to regularly review and change your passwords to make sure you always follow up-to-date best practices.
Where possible, disable passwords. In TeamViewer, you can for example disable the random password in your Security Settings. We recommend disabling this setting if no one or only yourself will connect to this device.
If you need it for others, please set the change of the Random password by clicking on the little gear icon (⚙) in the upper right corner --> Advanced --> Under Advanced settings for connections to this computer --> Random password after each session --> Choose Generate new --> Click OK
5. Update your devices
Out-of-date software, apps, and operating systems contain weaknesses. This makes them easier to hack.
Companies fix the weaknesses by releasing updates. When you update your devices and software, this helps to keep hackers out.
Turn on automatic updates for your devices and software that offer them. This will mean you do not have to remember each time.
You can activate the auto-update for your TeamViewer full version, in order to always be able to use the latest TeamViewer features.
If activated, the latest version within your major software release is installed automatically. This way, you always use the latest TeamViewer version with all its features. TeamViewer sessions to other TeamViewer versions are possible without restriction. Learn how to enable auto-update here.
Read more here: Cyber Aware - NCSC.GOV.UK
6. Back up your data
Backing up means creating a copy of your information and saving it to another device or to cloud storage (online).
Backing up regularly means you will always have a recent version of your information saved. This will help you recover quicker if your data is lost or stolen.
You can also turn on automatic backup. This will regularly save your information into cloud storage, without you having to remember.
If you back up your information to a USB stick or an external hard drive, disconnect it from your computer when a back up isn’t being done.
Read more here: Cyber Aware - NCSC.GOV.UK
