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TeamViewer

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TeamViewer
Developer(s)TeamViewer SE
Stable release(s) [±]
Windows (desktop app)15.61.3 / 17 December 2024; 3 days ago (2024-12-17)[1]
macOS15.61.3 / 17 December 2024; 3 days ago (2024-12-17)[2]
Linux15.61.3 / 17 December 2024; 3 days ago (2024-12-17)[3]
Android/ChromeOS15.61.628 / 17 December 2024; 3 days ago (2024-12-17)[4][5]
iOS15.61.1 / 17 December 2024; 3 days ago (2024-12-17)[6]
Windows (UWP app)15.53.6 / 15 April 2024; 8 months ago (2024-04-15)[7]
Operating systemWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS/iPadOS
TypeRemote administration, Web conferencing
Licenseproprietary software
Websitewww.teamviewer.com

TeamViewer is a remote access and remote control computer software, allowing maintenance of computers and other devices.[8][9] It was first released in 2005,[10] and its functionality has expanded step by step.[11] TeamViewer is proprietary software that requires registration and is free of charge for non-commercial use.[12] It has been installed on more than two billion devices.[13] TeamViewer is the core product of developing company TeamViewer SE.[14][15]

History

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The foundation of TeamViewer goes back to the release of the first version of the TeamViewer software in 2005, which was developed to reduce travelling to customers and at that time was still based on the VNC project.[16][17] The IT service provider wanted to avoid unnecessary trips to customers and perform tasks such as installing software remotely.[18] The development was very successful and gave rise to TeamViewer GmbH, which today operates as TeamViewer Germany GmbH and is part of TeamViewer SE.[19]

Operating systems

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TeamViewer is available for most desktop computers with common operating systems, including Microsoft Windows and Windows Server, as well as Apple's macOS.[20] There are also packages for several Linux distributions and derivatives, for example, Debian,[21] Ubuntu,[22] Red Hat,[23] and Fedora Linux.[24] Besides, there is Raspberry Pi OS, a Debian variant for the Raspberry Pi.[25]

TeamViewer is also available for smartphones and tablets running Android or Apple's iOS/iPadOS operating system, with very limited functionality on Linux based operating systems.[26] Support for Windows Phone and Windows Mobile has been phased out after Microsoft discontinued support for the two operating systems.[27]

Functionality

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The functionality of TeamViewer differs depending on the device and variant or version of the software. The core of TeamViewer is remote access to computers and other endpoints as well as their control and maintenance.[28] After the connection is established, the remote screen is visible to the user at the other endpoint. Both endpoints can send and receive files as well as access a shared clipboard, for example.[29] Besides, some functions facilitate team collaboration, such as audio and video transmissions via IP telephony.[30]

In recent years, the functionality of the software has been optimized in particular for use in large companies.[31] For this purpose, the enterprise variant TeamViewer Tensor was developed.[32] With TeamViewer Frontline, TeamViewer sells software for remote support and process optimization with augmented reality elements.[33][34][35] TeamViewer offers interfaces to other applications and services, for example from Microsoft (Teams),[36][37] Salesforce,[38] ServiceNow,[39] and Atera Networks.[40] The solution is available in nearly all countries and supports over 30 languages.[41]

In October 2024, Session Insights was launched, an AI-based feature that automates the documentation of remote support sessions by automatically generating summaries after each session.[42]

License policy

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Private customers may use a limited subset[43] of features for non-commercial purposes free of charge.[44][45] There is a maximum of three managed devices for free accounts. VPN, Wake-on-LAN, file sync, audio, video and chat were disabled. Fees must be paid for the commercial use of the software. Companies and other commercial customers must sign up for a subscription. The prices for using the software are scaled according to the number of users as well as the number of concurrent sessions.[44] Updates are released monthly and are included for all users.

Since 2021, complimentary TeamViewer 15 access for legacy versions has been deprecated.[46] Since 2023, a one-time purchase of the application is no longer possible.[47] TeamViewer was contacting some users to try to have them convert their perpetual license to the subscription model.[48] For cancellation of the annual subscriptions, it must be done within 28 days of subscribing to the service or upon the renewal of the license. This was criticized,[48] but challenges were rejected by federal courts in California; the courts held that the auto-renewal was sufficient under California law.[49][50]

Security

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Incoming and outgoing connections are equally possible via the Internet or local networks. If desired, TeamViewer can run as a Windows system service, which allows unattended access via TeamViewer. There is also a portable version of the software that runs completely without installation, for example via a USB data carrier.[51]

The connection is established using automatically generated unique IDs and passwords. Before each connection, the TeamViewer network servers check the validity of the IDs of both endpoints. Security is enhanced by the fingerprint, which allows users to provide additional proof of the remote device's identity. Passwords are protected against brute force attacks, especially by increasing the waiting time between connection attempts exponentially. TeamViewer provides additional security features, such as two-factor authentication, block and allow lists.

Before establishing a connection, TeamViewer first checks the configuration of the device and the network to detect restrictions imposed by firewalls and other security systems. Usually, a direct TCP/UDP connection can be established so that no additional ports need to be opened. Otherwise, TeamViewer falls back on other paths such as an HTTP tunnel.

Regardless of the connection type selected, data is transferred exclusively via secure data channels. TeamViewer includes end-to-end encryption based on RSA (4096 bits) and AES (256 bits).[52] According to the manufacturer, man-in-the-middle attacks are principally not possible. This is to be guaranteed by the signed key exchange of two key pairs.

Abuse

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Support scam

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TeamViewer and similar programs can be abused for technical support scams. In this process, attackers pretend to be employees of well-known companies to gain control over their victims' computers. They then use a pretext to obtain money from their victims.[53] For this reason, the British Internet provider TalkTalk permanently blocked the software's data traffic.[54] TeamViewer condemns all forms of misuse of the software, provides tips for safe use, and provides a way to investigate corresponding incidents.[55]

Account access

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In June 2016, hundreds of TeamViewer users reported having their computers accessed by an unauthorized address in China and bank accounts misappropriated.[56] TeamViewer stated it was "appalled by any criminal activity" but attributed the outcome to "careless use, not a potential security breach on TeamViewer’s side", saying "neither was TeamViewer hacked nor is there a security hole, TeamViewer is safe to use and has proper security measures in place. Our evidence points to careless use as the cause of the reported issue, a few extra steps will prevent potential abuse."[57]

In June 2024, TeamViewer reported that it was the target of an attack by the Russian hacker group APT29. The intrusion to the IT infrastructure of the company, using a standard employee's credentials, was detected on 26 June 2024. TeamViewer's security team, along with external cybersecurity experts, immediately launched an investigation.[58] According to Heise online, TeamViewer disclosed that the attack was confined to the corporate IT environment without affecting client data or product systems.[59]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "[Windows] v15.61.3". TeamViewer Community. December 17, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  2. ^ "[macOS] v15.61.3". TeamViewer Community. December 17, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  3. ^ "[Linux] v15.61.3". TeamViewer Community. December 17, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  4. ^ "[Android] Remote Control v15.60.606". TeamViewer Community. December 17, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  5. ^ "TeamViewer Remote Control". Google Play. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  6. ^ "[iOS] Remote Control v15.61.1". TeamViewer Community. September 24, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  7. ^ "TeamViewer Remote". Microsoft Apps. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  8. ^ "Wie geht das? TeamViewer ermöglicht Hilfe aus der Ferne.", Berliner Zeitung (in German), December 29, 2007
  9. ^ Carl D. Rinker (March 16, 2015), "Advanced Home Server – Making the Complicated Easier", Google Books, p. 279, archived from the original on January 23, 2023, retrieved March 23, 2018
  10. ^ Michael Mierke (August 27, 2019), "Was ist TeamViewer? Tipps & Tricks", Heise Online (in German), archived from the original on February 13, 2021, retrieved February 4, 2020
  11. ^ Eva-Maria Weiß (January 15, 2021), "Ende-zu-Ende-verschlüsselte Videokonferenzen: TeamViewer Meeting nun kostenlos", Heise Online (in German), archived from the original on February 11, 2021, retrieved February 5, 2021
  12. ^ Jens Tönnesmann (December 8, 2016), "Die Weltvernetzer", Die Zeit (in German), p. 34, archived from the original on October 21, 2021, retrieved February 4, 2021
  13. ^ "TeamViewer Reviews & Product Details", G2, archived from the original on January 24, 2021, retrieved February 25, 2021
  14. ^ Robert Landgraf (September 13, 2019), "Reifeprüfung Börsengang", Handelsblatt (in German), archived from the original on January 23, 2023, retrieved February 4, 2020
  15. ^ "Das Einhorn von Göppingen", Handelsblatt (in German), January 7, 2017, archived from the original on July 14, 2017, retrieved February 4, 2020
  16. ^ About TeamViewer (in German), Rossmanith GmbH, archived from the original on April 19, 2005, retrieved February 4, 2020
  17. ^ "Software-Riese Teamviewer: Weltmarktführer aus der Provinz". Stern (in German). January 5, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  18. ^ Holzki, Larissa; Kerkmann, Christof; Zhang, Effy (June 5, 2020), "Per Mausklick in die Firma", Handelsblatt (in German), p. 27, archived from the original on June 4, 2020, retrieved February 4, 2020
  19. ^ Unternehmensregister (in German), Bundesanzeiger Verlag, retrieved February 4, 2021
  20. ^ Philip Michaels (February 10, 2009), "TeamViewer v4 Desktop Collaboration App Now Mac-Compatible", Macworld, archived from the original on September 29, 2020, retrieved February 15, 2021
  21. ^ "How to Install TeamViewer on Debian 10", Vitux Linux Compendium, October 8, 2019, archived from the original on January 21, 2022, retrieved February 10, 2021
  22. ^ "How to Install TeamViewer on Ubuntu 20.04", Linuxize, June 27, 2020, archived from the original on August 7, 2022, retrieved February 16, 2021
  23. ^ "TeamViewer for RHEL 7.5 server", Customer Portal, Red Hat, July 24, 2018, archived from the original on June 20, 2022, retrieved February 9, 2021
  24. ^ Josphat Mutai (April 17, 2020), "How To Install TeamViewer on Fedora 32/31/30/29", Computing for Geeks, archived from the original on June 17, 2022, retrieved February 5, 2021
  25. ^ Oliver Nickel (January 22, 2018), "Remote Desktop: TeamViewer kommt für IoT-Geräte wie den Raspberry Pi.", Golem (in German), archived from the original on January 23, 2020, retrieved February 4, 2020
  26. ^ Franz Công Bùi (August 1, 2012), "TeamViewer-App ermöglicht Zugriff auf Computer aus der Ferne.", Börsen-Zeitung (in German), p. 19
  27. ^ TeamViewer QuickSupport, Microsoft, archived from the original on August 1, 2022, retrieved February 16, 2021
  28. ^ TeamViewer, University of Münster, archived from the original on April 26, 2021, retrieved February 17, 2021
  29. ^ Georg Drabner (April 24, 2009), "Hilfe aus der Ferne", Saarbrücker Zeitung (in German)
  30. ^ Reiko Kaps (December 3, 2009), "Desktop-Fernhilfe mit Video-Telefonie", Heise Online (in German), archived from the original on October 21, 2021, retrieved February 4, 2020
  31. ^ "TeamViewer 8: Fernwartungssoftware mit neuen Funktionen für Unternehmen", Golem (in German), archived from the original on February 13, 2021, retrieved February 4, 2020
  32. ^ Thomas Bär, Frank-Michael Schlede (2019), "TeamViewer Tensor: Fernwartung für die Großen", Admin Magazin (in German), no. 4, archived from the original on November 26, 2020, retrieved February 4, 2020
  33. ^ Oliver Nickel (October 24, 2018), "TeamViewer 14 zeigt Informationen mit Augmented Reality", Golem (in German), archived from the original on June 24, 2022, retrieved February 4, 2020
  34. ^ Dequito, Imee (July 26, 2024). "TeamViewer leads connected worker platforms with AR solutions". Channel Life Australia. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  35. ^ Davids, Surur (April 18, 2021). "TeamViewer Frontline Workplace für Microsoft HoloLens jetzt verfügbar". MSPoweruser (in German). Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  36. ^ "Microsoft to integrate TeamViewer in Microsoft Teams", The Hindu Business Line, Mumbai, September 3, 2020, archived from the original on April 26, 2021, retrieved February 15, 2021
  37. ^ "TeamViewer Integrates with Microsoft Teams", Enterprise IT World, September 2, 2020, archived from the original on February 14, 2022, retrieved February 9, 2021
  38. ^ "TeamViewer – Remote Support and Access Integration for Salesforce", AppExchange, Salesforce, archived from the original on February 27, 2021, retrieved February 16, 2021
  39. ^ "New Features Added to TeamViewer Integration with ServiceNow", AiThority, July 2, 2020, archived from the original on April 26, 2021, retrieved February 15, 2021
  40. ^ "Atera and TeamViewer", Atera's help center, July 4, 2024, retrieved July 24, 2024
  41. ^ "TeamViewer Software", Software Advice, archived from the original on June 17, 2022, retrieved February 11, 2021
  42. ^ Kramer, André (October 29, 2024). "TeamViewer: KI protokolliert Fernwartung". Heise online (in German). Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  43. ^ "TeamViewer Remote's Free Version Redesign". TeamViewer Support. April 26, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  44. ^ a b Kommerzielle Nutzung (in German), TeamViewer SE, archived from the original on October 1, 2020, retrieved February 4, 2020
  45. ^ Jörn Brien (March 18, 2020), "Coronavirus: TeamViewer kannst du jetzt inoffiziell auch beruflich gratis nutzen.", t3n (in German), yeebase media, archived from the original on April 20, 2020, retrieved February 4, 2020
  46. ^ K (Company Announcement), Jean (September 15, 2021). "Complimentary TeamViewer 15 access for legacy versions to be deprecated". TeamViewer. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  47. ^ Michael Kroker (October 31, 2018), "TeamViewer-CEO Steil: "Die DSGVO ist für uns ein Wettbewerbs-Vorteil".", WirtschaftsWoche (in German), archived from the original on January 23, 2023, retrieved February 4, 2020
  48. ^ a b "TeamViewer accused of 'unclear' automatic renewal policies as customer faces debt collectors". IT PRO. October 10, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  49. ^ Rothermel, Shahin O. (February 22, 2023). "Ninth Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Autorenewal Lawsuit, Finds Disclosure, Consent, and Acknowledgment Sufficient". Lexology. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  50. ^ "Summer 2021 Automatic Renewal Law Update: New Requirements, Settlements and Decisions". JD Supra. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  51. ^ Die besten Programme für den USB-Stick – TeamViewer Portable (in German), T-Online, September 11, 2012, archived from the original on February 1, 2022, retrieved February 4, 2020
  52. ^ David Murphy (June 4, 2016), TeamViewer Introduces New Security Measures to Thwart Hacks, archived from the original on April 26, 2021, retrieved February 14, 2021
  53. ^ Hajo Schulz (2016), "Bei Anruf Abzocke", c’t Magazin (in German), vol. 2016, no. 26, p. 64, archived from the original on July 9, 2022, retrieved February 4, 2020
  54. ^ Kat Hall (March 9, 2017), "Brit ISP TalkTalk Blocks Control Tool TeamViewer", The Register, archived from the original on October 23, 2021, retrieved February 4, 2020
  55. ^ Report a Scam, TeamViewer SE, archived from the original on January 25, 2022, retrieved February 4, 2020
  56. ^ "TeamViewer denies hack after PCs hijacked, PayPal accounts drained". The Register. UK. Archived from the original on May 24, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  57. ^ "Hack Suspected on TeamViewer After Users Report Unauthorized Connections". USA: Trend Micro. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  58. ^ Paganini, Pierluigi (June 30, 2024). "Russia-linked group APT29 likely breached TeamViewer's corporate network". Archived from the original on June 30, 2024. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  59. ^ Kunz, Christopher (June 28, 2024). "TeamViewer-Angriff: Die Spur führt nach Russland". Heise online (in German). Retrieved October 2, 2024.
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