Secure Remote Technology Can Support Timebank Exchanges

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With more people than ever working from home, children learning at virtual schools, and doctors offering telemedicine appointments, the technology in our homes is clearly a critical component of our daily lives. Timebank members have always been available to offer technology support exchanges, usually with someone coming to your home. 

But, there are free remote support options that allow you to get or give technology assistance without leaving your home. These are software packages that allow for a person at a remote location to see and interact with your computer screen to offer technology support you need.

Here are some free remote-control options

  • TeamViewer - https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/

    • Allows for a simple way to remotely support someone’s computer

    • Offers a free version for non-commercial and private use

  • Zoom – https://Zoom.US

    • Allows for a remote support via the screen sharing option

    • Share your entire screen and grant a person in the conference remote control rights

Go to the support sections of each website for more details on how to utilize the remote control options.

Here are some best practices for using them securely:

  • Do not leave the software running when not in use.

    • Unless you use the software consistently, it’s best to not leave any remote-control software running on your computer all the time. Only run the software when giving or receiving remote support.  For TeamViewer the default security options are configured for ease of use and quick connection, not long term secure use. 

  • Use Strong Passwords & Password Managers

    • Strong passwords are ones that are not only hard to guess, but ones you can also remember. Longer passwords are always better, so use multiple words together replacing letters with numbers or special characters. Using a phrase or sentence that is easy to remember helps a lot. Something funny or catchy or important to you personally will help in remembering them.

    • Password Managers are applications that securely store all your passwords and make it easier for you to organize and use those passwords. Many provide a password auto-fill feature for many devices.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication

    • This is when a code is emailed or texted to you that you must use in addition to your password. This is important to use for anyone giving remote support.  If your password was ever compromised, the account could not be accessed without the secondary code.

  • Update, Update, Update

    • No one enjoys waiting for software updates to complete but keeping software up to date is critical component in keeping them secure. The key ones are your operating system, anti-virus/security software and anything used for remote support of your computer.

Using these remote-control options and security practices can help timebank members provide safe technology support exchanges.

What about when your computer doesn’t work well enough to run remote control software? In this case, a drop off and pickup approach for a timebank exchange is best. 

Many thanks to SSTB member Dwight Sowers for writing this article.

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