Key points
- Remote Access Tool (RAT) enables IT professionals to establish secure remote connections for managing devices, servers, and networks from any location.
- RAT provides real-time troubleshooting, endpoint management, and monitoring capabilities to reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency for IT teams.
- For maximum security and operational support, use remote access tools alongside MDM, whether as separate solutions or integrated capabilities in a single console.
A remote access tool (RAT) allows IT professionals to connect to devices, servers, and networks without needing to be on-site. As remote and hybrid work has grown across nearly every industry, IT teams rely on these tools to support endpoints wherever employees work. This guide covers what remote access tools are and how mobile device management (MDM) compares with remote access.
What is a remote access tool (RAT)?
A remote access software gives an IT administrator quick access to a device to troubleshoot and perform other IT tasks remotely. Using secure remote access solutions, IT teams can provide support and protection for all their endpoints, regardless of location.
This video on “What Is a Remote Access Tool (RAT)?” walks through the basics of RATs.
Types of remote access tools
IT professionals can access endpoints remotely via three methods, each with advantages and drawbacks.
1. Virtual private networks (VPNs)
Internet users may be familiar with VPNs as tools to access streaming apps overseas or hide their real-time location. A VPN-based RAT grants remote access by linking endpoints to an organization’s network via a server, allowing access to files and systems outside the office.
2. Cloud-based access
With this type of RAT connection, endpoint users can access on-site computers remotely through a mobile endpoint, such as a laptop or smartphone. This makes it preferable for businesses with distributed endpoints or hybrid setups.
3. Direct remote access software
Dedicated remote software solutions, which are most recommended by IT professionals, provide remote access to endpoint users and IT teams without the need for a network link or Internet connectivity., remote access software is more advantageous for its reliable and secure endpoint connections, cost-efficiency, and compatibility with various device types and operating systems.
What is a remote access trojan (RAT)?
When a remote access tool is used for malicious actions, it is called a remote access trojan, which also uses the acronym RAT. With a remote access trojan, unauthorized parties can control devices without permission from the user or the IT team. Unauthorized users can conduct keylogging, file access, screen capture, and other actions that help them gain access to an organization’s confidential data.
Security Note: To prevent your legitimate administrative tool from being mistaken for—or exploited like—a Trojan, ensure your software requires MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) for every login. This prevents hijacked credentials from being used to gain unauthorized entry to your network.
Resolve IT issues anywhere and avoid costly downtimes.
Benefits of remote access tools
Without remote access, IT professionals could not provide fast, efficient, and reliable support for remote endpoints. Remote access tools benefit organizations by allowing IT teams to:
Provide IT support from any location
According to a recent remote work survey, “65% of respondents report wanting to work remotely full-time, while 32% want a hybrid work environment. That’s an astounding 97% of workers who desire some form of remote work.” To support this remote work movement, IT teams use remote access to manage and support devices from any location and at any time.
Save resources
Downtime disrupts workflows, stalls critical projects, and directly impacts an organization’s overall success and financial bottom line. The financial consequences of downtime vary significantly depending on business size, industry sector, and the duration of the outage. For a tailored estimate, use the outage cost calculator to assess potential losses, while remote access solutions enable personnel to resolve issues quickly and minimize disruptions.
Achieve fast response times
With remote access tools, IT administrators can troubleshoot and resolve issues as quickly as possible. The days of on-premises support are in the past, and now IT teams can provide fast support to any endpoint from any location. Usually, it only takes a few minutes for an IT admin to connect with a user’s device, and they can get started immediately on any issues that need to be resolved.
Common Use Cases for Remote Access Tools
Remote access tools solve a variety of real-world IT challenges. From routine maintenance to emergency response, here is how these tools function in a modern technical environment:
- Unattended Server Maintenance: Performing updates or reboots on servers after hours without needing a technician on-site.
- “Over-the-Shoulder” Troubleshooting: Guiding a remote employee through a complex software setup by viewing their screen in real-time.
- Secure Third-Party Access: Granting temporary, monitored access to a specific vendor to fix a specialized application.
Emergency Patching: Rapidly accessing an infected endpoint to isolate it from the network before a threat spreads.
Mobile device management vs. remote access
Although mobile device management (MDM) and remote access are both software solutions that aid in remote or hybrid workforces, they have different functions and purposes. Remote access focuses mainly on providing support and resolving help desk tasks, while MDM focuses on securing devices, protecting data, and aiding compliance efforts. So, although the two tools seem similar, they serve very different purposes. Take a look at the chart below to see the pros and cons of each solution.
Pros and cons of MDM solutions vs. remote access solutions
| MDM pros | MDM cons |
| Improves device and data security | Fails to secure endpoints completely |
| Aids compliance efforts | Cannot guarantee compliance |
| Supports remote/hybrid work | Limits endpoint visibility |
| Remote access pros | Remote access cons |
| Improves IT support | Increases security risks |
| Reduces expenses | Fails to resolve hardware malfunctions |
| Supports remote/hybrid work | Relies on a network to function |
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Why you should use mobile device management and remote access together
The best way to create a successful and remote or hybrid work environment is to use remote access and MDM together.
Using a remote access solution, IT members can gain essential insight into remote devices to troubleshoot problems and provide solutions. With an MDM tool, administrators can secure and manage remote devices and their data, and ensure basic compliance requirements are met.
Having mobile device management and remote access capabilities gives IT teams access to the unique benefits of each tool; in other words, you get the best of both worlds.
To get the most out of your remote access strategy, check out our video on Remote Access Best Practices.
Attended vs. Unattended Access: What’s the Difference?
To build a complete remote support strategy, you need to understand these two modes:
- Attended Access: Requires a person at the remote computer to accept the connection. This is the standard for Help Desk support where privacy and consent are priorities.
- Unattended Access: Allows an IT admin to connect to a device even when no one is logged in. This is critical for patching, server management, and off-hours maintenance.
How to choose a remote access tool
With numerous remote access tools available in the IT market today, finding the right one for your IT team and your organization can be challenging if you are unsure what to look for.
To assist in your search, here are three must-haves in a remote access tool.
1. Security measures
The first and most essential aspect of a good remote access tool is its security features (e.g., encryption and multi-factor authentication).
With these, IT administrators can secure endpoints to ensure their safe and protected use.
2. Speed and efficiency
IT management teams need a remote tool to detect and respond to endpoint issues quickly and without downtime.
Ideally, it should be easy for IT admins to learn how to use, set up, and integrate into an organization’s systems.
3. Device and system compatibility
Some remote access tools are designed for devices running a specific operating systems (e.g., iOS, Windows, Android), while others are versatile enough to support multiple platforms.
Take inventory of the devices your business has to ensure optimal compatibility with your preferred solution.
Quick Buyer’s Checklist
Before committing to a RAT, ask these three questions:
- Does it support my stack? (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
- Does it offer Granular Permissions? (Can I restrict certain techs to “View Only” mode?).
- Is it Integrated? (Does it live inside my RMM/PSA for one-click access?).
Support all your devices with remote access and MDM
Remote access tools are essential for IT teams supporting remote or distributed workforces. Long gone are the days of on-premises support. With the right remote access and MDM solutions, IT departments and MSPs have fast and secure ways to manage remote devices.
To further see how remote access works in practice and why it’s essential for modern IT teams, watch our video: What is Remote Access?
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