Online Banking
Banks deploy Remote Desktop Detection to secure online banking against fraud and ATO (Account Takeover) attacks.
Remote Desktop Detection for Digital Fraud Prevention
Secure online services against remote access fraud and device takeovers (Remote Access Scam).
How to detect a Remote Desktop attack (Remote Access Scam)?
A remote access scam occurs when an attacker gains control of a user’s device or online session, typically through tools such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or RDP. Real-time detection of attacks is enabled by Remote Desktop Detection (RDD), which identifies active remote access tools and detects the moment a session is taken over.
Who uses Remote Desktop Detection?
Online Banking
Banks deploy Remote Desktop Detection to secure online banking against fraud and ATO (Account Takeover) attacks.
Fintech
Fintech companies implement Remote Desktop Detection to safeguard online transactions against remote access and ATO attacks.
Crypto Exchanges
Crypto exchanges use Remote Desktop Detection to identify remote logins and protect the digital assets of their users.
Gaming & Gambling
Gaming and gambling platforms adopt Remote Desktop Detection to meet AML and CCPA rules and protect the player accounts.
Technical aspects of detecting remote desktop fraud
Which apps does Remote Desktop Detection detect?
Detection of RDP and remote desktop tools, even in background.
Remote Desktop Detection detects the activity of remote access tools – from the built-in Windows RDP to applications such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk and Dameware. It also identifies tools like Zoom, RustDesk, Supremo and Alpemix, enabling you to detect remote desktop attacks even when no network ports are open.
How to prevent session takeovers on mobile?
Complementary detection of remote takeovers in mobile and web.
Remote Desktop Detection detects device takeover via remote access in both web and mobile channels. It works in desktop and mobile browsers and in apps on Android, iOS, as well as on macOS, Windows. This ensures full protection regardless of device type or login method.
Does protection require user consent?
Remote takeover detection compliant with GDPR.
Remote Desktop Detection does not process personal data or information that could identify the user. The solution complies with GDPR and protects against remote access fraud in real time.
How does antifraud impact UX and performance?
Protection with no impact on UX or platform operation.
Remote Desktop Detection works quietly in the background with no user action needed. It provides real-time protection against remote-access fraud without User Experience friction or slowing online services, keeping platform fast, stable, and reliable.
How does Remote Desktop Detection work?
Remote Desktop Detection is a mechanism that detects remote desktop activity on a device while using an online service (e.g., online banking). After identifying remote access, the solution generates an alert that includes a risk score and sends it to the organization’s REST API, enabling an immediate response.
How to deploy remote desktop detection?
01
Event reporting selection
Choose a reporting and event identification method – e.g., REST API integration.
02
Convenient setup
Add a single line of JavaScript code (web) or a library (mobile) to activate remote-desktop detection (Remote Access Scam, ATO).
03
Start protection in real time
Enable Remote Desktop attack protection with instant fraud response (real-time fraud prevention).
How does Remote Desktop Detection improve team work?
Remote Desktop Detection streamlines anti-fraud teams’ work by instantly detecting remote access and the exact moment a session is taken over. It reduces false positives, so analysts can focus on genuine threats and make faster, more accurate decisions.
Why does the solution effectively reduce false positives?
Remote Desktop Detection uses multi-signal, specialized detection algorithms and advanced methods: the active layer detects remote desktop tools, while the passive layer identifies the moment an attacker takes over the device. Together they create precise risk scoring, helping filter out false alarms.
At what stage of a session are accounts most often taken over?
Account takeover (ATO) can occur at any stage of service use, not only during login. It is crucial to monitor the entire user session, analyze its flow and detect anomalies in real time, regardless of the attack stage.
Results of Remote Desktop Detection deployments
Fewer successful remote-access attacks
More effective security and anti-fraud teams
Lower costs with a SECaaS model
97
%
100
%
94
%
reduction in Remote Access Scam and ATO fraud at a top-3 bank in 30 days.
cybersecurity specialists indicated that the solution significantly reduces false positives.
organizations confirmed that the SECaaS delivery model helped cut infrastructure maintenance costs.
How does RDD differ from typical antifraud tools?
The table below compares Remote Desktop Detection with typical antifraud systems across key technical features.
COMPETITOR SOLUTIONS
EFFECTIVENESS IN DETECTING UNAUTHORIZED REMOTE TAKEOVERS
Detects active remote connections with Active + Passive detection
User behavior and environment analysis (indirect signals only)
CHANNEL COVERAGE (WEB & MOBILE)
Desktop browsers, mobile browsers, and mobile apps
Lack of mobile browser support, limited mobile functionality
COMPLIANCE WITH GDPR, PSD2/3 AND DORA
No personal data processing, no biometrics, supports compliance with regulations
Profiling and biometrics increase regulatory requirements
IMPACT ON USER / OVERALL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE (UX)
Runs in the background with no user interaction, reduces false positives
Behavioral models may mistakenly flag legitimate users – user consent for profiling is required
DEPLOYMENT TIME AND TIME TO VALUE
Works “from day 1” – with no model training phase
AI/biometric models require a learning period lasting weeks or months
BUSINESS VALUE
Lower losses, reduced team workload, and faster incident handling
Lower effectiveness: higher costs and false alerts
INFRASTRUCTURE AND DATA LOCALIZATION
Dedicated (EU/EEA, UK or US), hosting; full data residency; no public cloud
Shared cloud: multi-region hosting, which may place data outside the customer’s jurisdiction
USER SESSION MONITORING
Full monitoring of the entire user session
Monitoring often limited only to the login moment
INTEGRATION WITH ANTIFRAUD SYSTEMS
Convenient integration with your existing environment and infrastructure
Requires dedicated connectors and configuration
6 key reasons to choose PREBYTES
What benefits come from deploying Remote Desktop Detection?
The technology improves detection of remote takeovers and reduces false positives in anti-fraud systems.
Effective real-time detection of ATO attempts
Precise AI/ML detection reducing the overall number of false alarms
SECaaS model – ready to use with instant protection and no need for training
Protection of web and mobile channels (Android, iOS, macOS, Windows)
Specialized detection of remote takeovers (RDP, Remote Access Scam)
Continuous session monitoring, not only login moments (real-time)
Frequently asked questions about Remote Desktop Detection (FAQ)
Can the effectiveness of Remote Desktop Detection be tested before deployment?
Yes. The effectiveness of Remote Desktop Detection can be tested through a Proof of Concept (POC) lasting about three months. We recommend running tests in a production environment, with real user volumes and actual traffic. This approach provides reliable data on detection accuracy and the real reduction of fraud involving remote access scams.
How is Remote Desktop Detection implemented in a mobile application?
The implementation of Remote Desktop Detection is lightweight and does not impact the system architecture. The library is embedded directly in the mobile app, and activating protection requires only a single function call.
How long does it take to deploy Remote Desktop Detection?
A typical deployment takes around 20 working days, depending on the environment and integration scope. Remote Desktop Detection works from day one after deployment, with no learning period, providing full effectiveness immediately upon activation.
Is the service available in an on-premises model?
No. Remote Desktop Detection operates in a secure hosting model managed and fully maintained by PREBYTES. The environment does not use public cloud, and all infrastructure is controlled and isolated in line with financial sector requirements. This architecture removes infrastructure duties from organizations while ensuring full security, continuous updates, and uninterrupted operation.
Does Remote Desktop Detection report the mere presence of a remote-access application on the user’s device?
No. Remote Desktop Detection does not report mere installation of applications on the user’s device. Detection is triggered only when there is an active online session.
Is the list of detected remote-access applications a closed one?
No. Remote Desktop Detection is continuously evolving and adapting to new methods used by cybercriminals. The technology does not rely on a closed list of applications – it is constantly updated with new attack vectors and tools used in fraud.
Does the solution require adjustment when traffic or user volume increases?
No. Remote Desktop Detection is scalable and operates reliably regardless of user volume or traffic levels. It is used by financial institutions serving millions of clients and hundreds of thousands of daily sessions, confirming its performance and reliability in high-load environments.
How does cooperation proceed after the solution is deployed?
Cooperation doesn’t end with the implementation. We offer regular meetings with security teams as well as ongoing product support. This ensures that the technology and antifraud processes are continuously improved and developed.
