Remote monitoring and management (RMM)

Remote monitoring and management is software IT providers use to watch the health of computers and servers, apply updates and fix problems remotely without visiting each device.

An RMM tool installs a small agent on each device. The agent reports on disk space, failed backups, missing patches, hardware warnings and security status, and lets technicians run scripts or connect remotely to help users. It is a core tool for most managed service providers.

RMM lets an IT provider spot and fix many issues before staff notice them, which keeps a small Alberta business running smoothly across multiple offices or job sites. However, because the tool has powerful access to every device it manages, it is also an attractive target. Attackers who compromise an RMM platform or a provider's account can reach all of that provider's clients at once.

Practical tip: ask your IT provider which RMM tool they use, how access to it is protected with multi-factor authentication, and how quickly they would detect and respond to unusual activity in it. Make sure departing staff and former providers have their agents removed.