Remote Access Tools in 2025: Balancing Productivity and Security

In 2025, Remote Access Tools (RATs) remain a double-edged sword in the cybersecurity landscape. On one hand, they are indispensable for enabling efficient IT support, remote work, and global collaboration—allowing administrators to troubleshoot systems and manage networks from anywhere. On the other hand, these same tools have become prime targets for cybercriminals, who exploit vulnerabilities and misconfigurations to gain unauthorized access, deploy malware, and exfiltrate sensitive data. The widespread abuse of platforms like ConnectWise ScreenConnect underscores the urgent need for organizations to balance convenience with robust security controls, including timely patching, access restrictions, and continuous monitoring.

So far in 2025, ConnectWise ScreenConnect has been the most frequently exploited Remote Access Tool, involved in nearly three-quarters of all related incidents. While this spike in use was primarily due to a critical vulnerability – CVE-2025-3935, it goes to show us that even if a particular Remote Access tool is authorized for your environment, it is even more important to keep a close eye out for any new vulnerabilities or signs of compromised credentials.

Here are some key points to consider:

Phishing and Social Engineering: Remote Access Tools (RATs) are frequently targeted through phishing and social engineering tactics. In many cases, attackers deceive users into downloading malicious versions of these tools, unknowingly granting unauthorized access to their systems. A common tactic is the use of scareware—malicious software that mimics legitimate security alerts, warning users of fake infections or system issues. These alerts often appear as pop-ups urging immediate action, such as calling a support number. Once the user connects with a so-called “technician,” they are persuaded to initiate a remote screen-sharing session to resolve the issue. This opens the door for attackers to install their preferred remote access software, enabling them to maintain control, deploy additional malware, or exfiltrate data.

Ransomware Attacks: Remote access tools are a common entry point for ransomware attacks. Cybercriminals often exploit these tools to gain initial access to networks—whether through exposed RDP ports, weak or reused credentials, or newly discovered vulnerabilities in legitimate software. These methods are actively targeted by threat actors seeking to establish a foothold in an environment before deploying ransomware or other malicious payloads.

To harness the benefits of RATs without falling victim to their dangers, organizations must adopt a layered security approach:

1. Patch Promptly: Apply updates as soon as they’re released, especially for tools exposed to the internet.
2. Enforce MFA: Multi-factor authentication should be mandatory for all remote access sessions.
3. Limit Exposure: Use VPNs or zero-trust architectures to restrict direct access to RAT interfaces.
4. Monitor and Log: Continuously monitor remote sessions and maintain detailed logs for forensic analysis.
5. Educate Users: Train staff to recognize phishing attempts and social engineering tactics that often precede RAT abuse.
6. Block Unapproved Tools: A key best practice is to standardize a single, approved remote management tool and block access to all others to reduce the attack surface and simplify security oversight.

Here are some remote access tools commonly exploited by bad actors:

• AnyDesk:Often used for remote support but also exploited in phishing campaigns and other malicious activities.
• TeamViewer:A popular tool for remote desktop access, frequently targeted by attackers to gain unauthorized access.
• UltraVNC:Open-source and lightweight, making it attractive to attackers. Commonly bundled with malware like Agent Tesla
• ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect):Exploited via vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-3935, allowing remote code execution. Frequently used in phishing campaigns and post-exploitation scenarios.
• Atera: A cloud-based RMM platform. Increasingly seen in stealthy intrusions where attackers install it to blend in with legitimate IT activity.
• Ammyy Admin:Often used in tech support scams and other fraudulent activities.

In an era where remote access is both a necessity and a vulnerability, organizations must approach Remote Access Tools with a security-first mindset. While these tools are vital for operational efficiency and support, their misuse can lead to devastating breaches. By staying vigilant—patching promptly, enforcing strict access controls, and educating users—organizations can reduce their exposure and ensure that the convenience of remote access doesn’t come at the cost of security. As threat actors continue to evolve their tactics, so too must our defenses. The goal isn’t to eliminate remote access, but to manage it wisely, securely, and proactively.

Additional DefenseStorm Recommendations:

Continuous research is conducted for newly discovered or recurring malware and ransomware. DefenseStorm recommends the following practices to secure your environment:

• Continued internal training for phishing campaigns
• Block threat indicators at their respective controls
• Keep all systems and software updated to the latest patched versions to protect against known security vulnerabilities
• Maintain a strong password policy
• Enable multi-factor authentication
• Regularly back up data, air gap, and password backup copies offline
• Implement a recovery plan to maintain and retain multiple copies of sensitive or proprietary data and servers in a physically separate, secure location
• Use app hardening
• Restrict administrative access