Remote access software refers to software which allows you to control your computer remotely. So, it’s the best solution in case you left your important files at home and it’s very urgent to get them otherwise your boss going to take you out of the office.
When you are not at home or your family member don’t know how to work with it. In that situation, a remote access software is very useful.
- Jun 21, 2020 2.Enable Security Updates by clicking on “Automatically keep my Mac up to date” in Software Update folder in System Preferences. Install Antivirus. I received a lot of emails where people described suspicious activity on their Macs. I found that in about 60-70% cases, the culprit was malware and not someone breaking into the computer.
- Most enterprise security guidelines encourage you to strictly police the apps installed on your Mac if your computer carries confidential information, such as company files, enterprise secrets.
Platform-Independent - Access your remote computer from a PC/Mac, or even an iPhone, iPad, or Android device. Security - All remote transactions are secured with TLS v 1.2/AES-256 encryption and a Personal Key acts as a secondary password to access each machine. Remote Printing - Effortlessly print documents stored in remote computers.
Technology has made such software that help in this situation. You can access your Windows PC or Mac Computers while you are outside either in the office or somewhere else.
To remotely access your computer you have to install a software first on the computer you want to connect known as the host. Another thing you have to do is to install the software on another computer which you will connect to known as the client.
There are many remote accessing Softwares but they can be heavy on your wallet. So, here are the Top 10 Remote Access Software for Mac Computers.
1. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is one of the best remote access software. It is free for personal usage. Most of you might be familiar with it. It’s very easy to install TeamViewer and you don’t need to do any changes in the firewall configurations or router settings.
With the help of TeamViewer, you can not only access a remote computer but can also transfer files. This remote access software also supports text chats, voice or video calls. With the feature support wake-on-LAN, you can connect to your computer remotely automatically in safe mode.
There are many features of TeamViewer including sharing the application window with a person on the other hand and you can also print the files remotely.
It is supported by Windows 10, 8, 7, vista, Linux, Chrome and Mac.
2. Ultra VNC
Ultra VNC is among one of the remote access software which is very much popular. Here a server and viewer are installed on two different computers, and the viewer controls the server.
On the Host side, when Ultra VNC is installed on a computer it will ask whether you want this computer to be the Server, Viewer or both of them. You have to install the Server on the one that you want to remotely access. When it’s installed as a system service it always runs in the background. So, it allows you to connect to the client at any time.
The other side is Client side. When you want to establish a connection with the Ultra VNC Server you have to install the Viewer portion this side. When you are done with the router’s port configuration, you can access the Server from anywhere with an internet connection. The only thing you have to know is the IP address to establish the connection.
Ultra VNC offers text chat, boot and connects to the server safely, clipboard sharing, file transfer, etc.
3. Remote PC
Remote PC is a simple-to-use remote access software that allows only one connection. If you want only this then it’s fine for you.
On the Host side, you just have to download and install the software as per the instructions. It is supporting both Windows and Mac computers. Then you have to share the Access ID and Key to make the computer accessible.
![Software Software](/uploads/1/2/6/4/126439310/241123243.jpg)
Another thing you can do is log into the host computer and add computer so that can be easily accessed later on.
On the Client side, you have two options to remotely access the host computer. First, by installing a RemotePC program on the computer and then enter the Access ID and Key to establish a connection with the host.
Another method is to use client’s perspective RemotePC which is allowed through iOS or Android app. Then you can transfer files from remote Mac computer and can access multiple devices. Please keep in mind that both the host and the client should have the same operating system otherwise they won’t be compatible.
4. Seecreen
Seecreen seems very tiny but don’t you undermine its power. It’s very effective in remotely accessing your computer whenever it is demanded at an instant.
On the Host side, open it on the computer that is to be controlled. Then create your account and log in, another user can be added by email id or username. Add the client to the Unattended list and they can remotely access your computer. It’s your choice to add the contact list but you can share the ID and password for further instant access.
On the Client side, to connect with the host you have to enter the host ID and password. Finally when the connection is completed then you can easily transfer data, share screen, perform voice call and you can also record the current session. The software must be started at the client side to can share the screen.
5. Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is just an extended version of the very famous Google Chrome web browser which enables you to remotely access the computer from some other Chrome browser.
On the Host side, first, you have to install this extension for Google Chrome. Then for the authentication purpose, you have to create a PIN to remotely access the computer. Make sure that you have logged into your Google account to do this.
On the Client side, sign in to another Google Chrome browser. The PIN and extension would be same. After logging in you can see the remote computer and access it. Simple copy paste is used in this for sharing with no more deep enhanced setting.
6. AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a very simple to operate remote access software that you can install and run easily.
On the Host side, launch AnyDesk on the computer you wish to connect to then you have to save the AnyDesk-Address that you can also set manually. At the connection establishment stage with the client, the host is asked their choice. You can select from allowing or not be allowing, clipboard usage, sound control, block the host.
On the client side, you have to run the AnyDesk with the AnyDesk-Address of the host in Remote Desk option. If you have set the access to unattended then the client can connect without the acceptance from the host every time the connection is established. Along with the transfer of data, can take screenshots of the remote computer, sync the clipboard, balance the speed of established connection and the quality, use the shortcuts of the keyboard, and finally you can enter into full-screen mode.
7. Join.me
The producer of LogMeln has introduced Join.me remote access software to access another computer using an internet browser.
On the Host side, you can download and run join.me to remotely access your device. When you choose start button, a selection application or the entire computer can be remotely viewed.
On the Client side, within the Join section, install join.me. You just need the personal code of this tool. It offers conference calling option, multiple monitors, full-screen mode, and up to 10 people can connect to view a screen at a time.
8. Beam Your Screen
Beam Your Screen is another portable and freely available remote access software for your computer. Here an ID number is used by the viewer to remotely access the Mac computer.
On the Host side, it is known as the organizer. So, on the host computer, it uses Beam Your Screen for Organizers when connected to the other end. Nothing else is required to install except this and you can start sharing information.
On the Client side, the version is known as the Beam Your Screen for Participants. It is very simple and fast to execute the files. To join the host, under the Session ID enter the host’s session number to start a connection. Then you are ready to start sharing the screen, clipboard text, and text files and other stuff.
Another interesting thing about this tool is that you can see the online host without installing the software and multiple users can share the ID to join in common.
9. Splashtop
Splashtop is freely available for personal usage. You can remotly access up to five computers with its free version.
Its feature of streaming videos and audio let you access them remotely on your tablet or Mac computers from the desktop. So, it’s a better option for you guys to remotely access your computer. It’s free for a week and then it costs 2$ per month that provides sufficient ability to access the computer remotely. For the connection establishment, it doesn’t require many efforts.
On the Host side, just install the software and create the required login credentials.
On the Client side, install the same version of the software and then enter the required credentials. That’s all you have to do.
10. LogMeln
LogMeln is handy to use by the users and efficient way to connect with others through the remote access software.
You just have to download the client software and then create your account. When you want to log in through the browser or the web page you just sign in and enter the host ID and start connection.
LogMeln enables you to access the active processes, hard drive information, transfer data from the host to remote client. It also allows you to have video calling with the host side.
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You turn on your MacBook and feel that something is wrong: some files have disappeared, or new files were added. You wonder if someone has been watching your computer.
So, how to tell if someone is remotely accessing your MacBook? You need to check your logs, verify that no new users were created, make sure that remote login, screen sharing and remote management are disabled, and no spyware is running on your computer.
First things first. If you suspect that someone is controlling your laptop and if there is a chance that they watching you thru the webcam immediately apply a cover on laptop’s webcam. You can find my favorite webcam covers here.
What is remote access and how is it configured on MacBooks?
There are three ways to access MacOS remotely: allow remote logins from another computer, enable Screen Sharing or allow access by using Remote Desktop. Both ways are legitimate, but if you don’t remember doing any of them you need to know how to turn on and off those possibilities.
Remote login to MacOS
Computers that run MacOS as an operating system can log in to your Mac using Secure Shell (SSH). Steps to enable remote login are the following:
- Go to System Preferences. You can get there by clicking on the apple icon on the left of the top bar. After you clicked on apple icon you will see a drop-down menu where you should click on System Preferences menu item.
- Find Sharing folder and double click. Click on Remote Login checkbox on the left.
- Now you have the option to allow access either for all user or only specific users.
Once Remote Login is enabled then users with access can use SSH to log in and browse your computer’s contents.
Access to Mac screen using Screen Sharing
If you need help from IT to make changes on your MacBook or maybe you are collaborating on a project and want to share your screen you can enable Screen Sharing. Steps to enable as follows:
- Go to System Preferences.
- Find Sharing folder and double click. Click on Screen Sharing checkbox on the left.
- Allow access either for all user or only specific users.
Now on another Mac (from which you want to access to your Mac) start Screen Sharing app. You can start it by clicking Command and Space buttons. In a popup form type Sharing and hit Enter. Type your computer name. In my case, I had to type in “dev-pros-MacBook-Pro.local”.
A new window will pop up with the shared screen of another computer. Now you can control the screen.
Remote Desktop with Remote Management
Finally, it is possible to login to a computer with MacOS by enabling Remote Desktop. Steps to enable as follows:
- Go to System Preferences.
- Find Sharing folder and double click. Click on Remote Management check box on the left.
- Allow access either for all user or only specific users.
- There will be different Sharing options where you can fine-tune the type of access to allow: observe, change settings, delete, copy and even restart the computer.
Now you can access this Mac from Apple Remote Desktop – it’s an application you can buy from Apple Store and at the time of writing it’s cost was $79.99.
If your Mac is being monitored, it will show this image (two rectangles) in the top right-hand corner near your computer time:
When that symbol appears, you will be able to tell if you are being monitored. You can also disconnect the viewer by clicking on Disconnect option:
You can also click on “Open Sharing Preferences…” which will open Sharing folder in System Preferences.
Since the question you had was if someone remotely accessing your computer then the chances are that you don’t need any of sharing capabilities mentioned above.
In this case, check all options on Sharing folder under System Preferences to make sure that nobody is allowed to access it and turn off (uncheck) all options.
Verify if new users were created
Free Software Who Accessed Mac Computer Security Download
As we’ve seen already remote login or sharing options require assigning access roles to the local users. If your system was hacked it is very likely that the hacker has added a new user to access it. To find out all users in MacOS perform the following steps:
- Start Terminal app by either going to Applications and then Utilities folder or clicking Command and Space and typing Terminal in the popup window.
- In the Terminal window type:
On my laptop it listed dev1, nobody, root and daemon.
If you see the accounts, you do not recognize then they probably have been created by a hacker.
In order to find when the user account was used to log in last time type the following command into the Terminal:
last
last
For each account, MacOS will list the times and dates of logins. If the login to any of the accounts happened at an abnormal time, it is possible that a hacker used a legitimate account to log in.
Check the logs
It may be useful to check the system logs for any possible access issues.
In order to find a system log, click on Go option in the top menu or simultaneously click Shift, Command and G. In the “Go to Folder” popup type: /var/log and hit Enter.
Now find system.log file and scan for word sharing. For instance, I found following screen sharing log entries:
These were log entries when someone logged in to my system remotely:
Check for spyware
If you are still suspecting that spyware is running on your machine you can use a third party application like Little Snitch which monitors applications, preventing or permitting them to connect to attached networks through advanced rules. Setting up the rules for Little Snitch, however, could be complicated.
One of the common spyware applications is a keystroke logger or keylogger. Keyloggers used to be apps that record the letters you type on the keyboard, but they significantly in last years. Suffice to day that keyloggers can take screenshots every 30 seconds or even track your chat activity, including the messages sent to you.
I believe that keyloggers are much greater security threat because they are easier to install and the powerful features they offer. Check my article about keyloggers here: How to know if my Mac has a keylogger
Security Best Practices
1.Change passwords regularly
One thing you should immediately if you are suspecting that someone is logging to your system is to change your password. And the password should be complex enough so that other people wouldn’t be able to guess it. This means avoiding using things like birthdate, first or last name or relatives, house or apartment number, etc. As a rule of thumb the password must be long enough (8 – 32 characters) and include at least 3 of the following character types:
One thing you should immediately if you are suspecting that someone is logging to your system is to change your password. And the password should be complex enough so that other people wouldn’t be able to guess it. This means avoiding using things like birthdate, first or last name or relatives, house or apartment number, etc. As a rule of thumb the password must be long enough (8 – 32 characters) and include at least 3 of the following character types:
- Uppercase letter (A-Z)
- Lowercase letter (a-z)
- Digit number (0-9)
- Special characters such as ~!@#$%^&*
Free Software Who Accessed Mac Computer Security Systems
2.Enable Security Updates by clicking on “Automatically keep my Mac up to date” in Software Update folder in System Preferences.
Free Software Who Accessed Mac Computer Security Software
3. Install Antivirus. I received a lot of emails where people described suspicious activity on their Macs. I found that in about 60-70% cases, the culprit was malwareand not someone breaking into the computer. It’s a myth that Macs don’t get viruses. If you need proof check the next article I wrote after testing 12 antivirus programs after injecting 117 malware samples on my Mac:
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