TeamViewer adds 2FA for extra security on Windows

While getting tech support remotely is a lifesaver while working from home, TeamViewer is introducing two-factor authentication to give users some degree of privacy when they're not in trouble. — dpa

TeamViewer makes it possible for someone from your tech team to remotely access different devices at any time in order to help solve everyday IT problems.

But for anyone who doesn't like the thought of someone else being able to gain remote access to your desktop, there's now a new two-factor authentication (2FA) option for Windows users of TeamViewer.

This essentially means there's an extra layer of security for any incoming connections to the remote access tool, widely installed on many company computers.

The 2FA option, also used on many email and messenger apps, means if someone else wants to access your computer, they can't just gain access by someone accepting the connection on the computer.

That's because when 2FA is activated, you'll also receive a push notification on your smartphone and will also have to confirm access there as well. At the start, 2FA for incoming connections only works on Windows computers, but Macs and Linux PCs are to follow.

TeamViewer's free remote maintenance software has become a vital tool on work devices, particularly at a time when more people than ever are working from home.

It's also not just a tool for the IT team. Say you want to show a colleague working remotely how to set up something on their computer, you can log onto their device with TeamViewer and immediately start moving their mouse for them while they watch.

You both just need to have the same software on your devices, allowing you, the helper, to see what's on the other person's screen and take control of the device - whether it's a laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone. – dpa