GoToMyPC has long been a trusted way to access your computer from any web browser. But recent reports suggest that vulnerabilities in the software could leave your personal data vulnerable to theft. How trustworthy is GoToMyPC security, in terms of keeping your information secure?
What do you do when you need to access your confidential files from home or work? Should you use GoToMyPC, and if so…is it safe?
That’s what we’re going to investigate in this post. Let’s dive in.
How Safe is GoToMyPC?
Using GoToMyPC for remote access to safe and reliable. Let me break this down a bit.
First is the level of security offered by the service. GoToMyPC uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is an upgrade from its previous encryption level of 128-bit. At 256-bit encryption, you’re getting the highest encryption level, which should give you some comfort.
This ensures that your data is protected while in transit. So there’s no need to be concerned as to whether someone will be able to “look in” on what you’re doing. In addition, GoToMyPC offers two-factor authentication, which requires you to enter a unique code sent to your mobile phone in order to log in. However, that may be an added feature you may need to request.
So to keep this section simple and to the point, GoToMyPC is a pretty secure remote access software.
Has GoToMyPC Been Hacked?
There is no definite answer, but there are some indications that it may have been compromised.
The possibility of a hack has caused many people to re-evaluate the security of their accounts with GoToMyPC. Just like with any other remote tool, GoToMyPC can be easily compromised if users do not take the necessary precautions to keep their accounts secure.
Here are some tips for keeping your account safe with GoToMyPC:
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Although tedious, this alone has the potential to single handly save your account from getting hacked.
- Try to use a secure connection whenever possible. One way to do this is via a VPN service. Learn more about the software we recommend for VPN service.
- Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, and be a little creative with your passwords.
The cause for concern for GoToMyPC security is due to the increased cyber-attacks in recent years. This is leaving users to be a little concerned about the security of this software. Especially given the fact that remote desktop software in general, is considered to be less secure than traditional passwords and login systems.
So this is a legitimate concern.
However, there have been no confirmed reports of a hack against GoToMyPC in recent years, or ever. And to keep you from becoming a victim of a hack, as with any online service, ensure that you’re taking proper precautions, as I’ve provided above to protect your data.
GoToMyPC vs VPN
I’ve eluded to this a little in the last section on the subject of VPNs. I’ll talk more about it here. The common question here is whether or not GoToMyPC is the same as VPN. The simple answer is no, they’re completely two different types of instruments.
Let’s talk VPN for a sec.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure connection that gives users an encrypted connection to the internet. In other words, a VPN will allow you to connect to the internet without even being detected. I like to call it stealth mode.
When you sign up for a VPN service, you’re essentially getting your own little private network to browse the internet anonymously. This is completely different from a remote connection tool like GoToMyPC. I know that can sound confusing because they both allow you to remote into a network of some kind. But it’s a different type of connection.
One allows you to remote into a computer from virtually anywhere in the world with an internet connection, while the other allows you to connect to the internet more securely using an encrypted network. They essentially complement each other and can be used simultaneously, instead of as an either-or scenario.
VPN:
- Allows you to access blocked traffic.
- Keeps your data and information safe from hackers and snoopers.
- Encrypts your traffic.
- Disguises your IP address.
- Helps you overcome censorship and geo-blocks imposed by countries, organizations, etc.
GoToMyPC:
- Remote access tool.
- Access your computer from any other internet-connected device.
- Uses 256-bit encryption to protect your data.
- Can transfer and share files among different computers.
- Can control multiple computers at the same time.
By the way, if you’re interested in getting a VPN tool for a more secure connection, consider Express VPN. That’s the one we recommend.
HIPPA Compliance and GoToMyPC
This is more for the health industry. Being in the IT space myself and having worked with many medical clients, I know how big a role HIPPA plays in that industry. So if you happen to be in the health industry and are considering using a remote access tool that meets HIPPA standards, GoToMyPC is HIPPA compliant.
After all, you’re giving third-party access to your computer and all of its contents, and that can potentially be seen as a security risk. However, GoToMyPC has gone to great lengths to put in place a number of measures to ensure that its service is HIPAA compliant.
The first of course is the 256-bit encryption I mentioned earlier. It also has password protection and secure login procedures in place to prevent users from becoming easy targets for hacking.
So if you’re in the medical or health field, and you get the luxury of working remotely, GoToMyPC will suit you just right, as it does meet HIPPA standards.
Conclusion
Having concerns about GoToMyPC security is definitely warranted, as the cases of internet hacking and scamming continue to increase. Like most people, you want to know for sure if this is a legitimate remote access tool you can trust.
Using GoToMyPC to access your computer remotely is very secure, and it allows you to access your computer from anywhere with an internet connection.
As you’ve seen in this article, the software has many layers of security to keep you and your data secure and protected. The different layers include password protection, firewalls, and encryption at 256-bit. These layers of security allow GoToMyPC to be HIPPA compliant as well.
I like the fact that GoToMyPC is reliable, convenient, and very easy to use.
I talk more about this in detail in my review of GoToMyPC, which you can read more about here.
So in closing, if you’re looking for a way to work from anywhere without having to worry about security, GoToMyPC is the ideal solution for you.