ConnectWise ScreenConnect

ScreenConnect
Original author(s)Elsinore Technologies
Developer(s)ConnectWise
Operating systemWindows
Linux
macOS
Android
iOS
TypeRemote desktop software
LicenseProprietary
Websitescreenconnect.com

ScreenConnect, previously ConnectWise Control and ConnectWise ScreenConnect, is a self-hosted remote desktop software application. It was originally developed by Elsinore Technologies in 2008 under the name ScreenConnect. In 2015, it became a subsidiary of ConnectWise Inc.[1]

History

Logo of ScreenConnect's parent company, ConnectWise

Elsinore Technologies developed ScreenConnect in 2008 as an add-on to its RMM software, IssueNet, to assist in providing remote support to end users. It later began distributing the software as a standalone product.[2]

Acquisition by ConnectWise

On February 11, 2015, IT management software company ConnectWise announced its acquisition of the ScreenConnect software to improve the remote control features of the latest release of its RMM Software, LabTech.[1][3] ScreenConnect, LLC announced that, despite being acquired by ConnectWise, it would continue to operate under its original name in addition to offering its software as a standalone product.[4]

Starting in early 2017, as part of a brand-unification strategy driven by Arnie Bellini, founder and CEO, ConnectWise changed the name of ScreenConnect to ConnectWise Control to simplify its software suite under one company.[5] The other business entities were similarly rebranded to Manage, Automate, and Sell—all under the ConnectWise company brand.[6]

On May 15, 2023, ConnectWise Control was rebranded back to ConnectWise ScreenConnect.[7]

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, version 6 of the self-hosted edition server application of ScreenConnect reported a vulnerability. A patch was available for the latest version (23) the same day, offering a temporary free upgrade.[8]

Later in 2024, ConnectWise ScreenConnect was rebranded back to ScreenConnect.[9]

Product

ScreenConnect offers three primary products:[10]  

  • ScreenConnect Remote Support: Enables technicians to connect remotely with end users for troubleshooting and issue resolution
  • ScreenConnect Remote Access: Allows users to manage and maintain systems without disrupting users, such as running diagnostics
  • ScreenConnect Privileged Access: Allows IT to authorize user management and network security through least-privilege control

How it works

The product is available as a cloud-hosted Software as a Service (SaaS) or self-hosted server application[11][12] that permits the primary user to host the software on their own servers, PC, virtual machine (VM), or virtual private server (VPS). Once installed, the central web application can be made visible inside and outside of the local area network (LAN). ScreenConnect has a proprietary protocol and exposes an open architecture structure that can be utilized by users to implement custom plugins, scripting, or various integrations.

A generic use model would start with a host initiating a session through the central web application. A participant would then join a session by clicking on an email link or via the guest page of the application. An unattended client can be created and deployed to a targeted machine without the need for human intervention.[13][14] The executable is ScreenConnect.ClientService.exe (x86) on Windows-based OSs, and is signed by a COMODO RSA Code Signing CA certificate [Publisher: ScreenConnect Software].

Features

Most commonly expected features for a product in this arena are present. Examples include reboot and reconnect, drag-and-drop file transfer, screen recording, safe mode support, multiple monitor, command line access, wake-on-LAN, VoIP, chat, and a custom toolbox for quick deployment of support tools.

In addition to features that facilitate communication, ScreenConnect offers complete control over branding and customization of the product design, logo, color scheme, icons, text strings, and localization.

Security

The software is self-hosted providing users the ability to control the flow of data behind their own firewall and security implementations. ScreenConnect uses 256-bit AES encryption to package and ship data, supports two-factor authentication, has server-level video auditing, and granular role-based security. Forms-based and Windows Authentication are optional authentication methods for security purposes.

Compatibility

The host (presenter or technician) can utilize Mac, Linux, Windows, iOS, or Android operating systems. Guest (customer or participant): can connect from Mac, Linux, or Windows. ScreenConnect can also be utilized to remotely support Android devices, with complete view and control available for devices manufactured by Samsung.

Integrations

ScreenConnect supports third-party integrations[15] such as Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud[16], Freshdesk[17], and Zendesk.[18] ScreenConnect also integrates with other ConnectWise products, including ConnectWise RMM and PSA.  

Technology

Server

The on-site ScreenConnect server is self-hosted and runs as a .NET Framework application. On Microsoft Windows, it runs as a set of services. In 2015, ScreenConnect launched a hosted cloud platform, providing a way to use the ScreenConnect software with no local server installation required.

The ScreenConnect server runs as a set of four discrete services:

  • The Web Server service is an outward-facing ASP.NET HTTP application and serves as a portal for both technicians and their end-users
  • The Relay service provides outward-facing in-session communication and operates on TCP sockets. Communication is encrypted with the AES-256 block cipher.
  • The Session Manager service provides a data store for both the Web Server and Relay services. It is implemented as a WCF SOAP web service.
  • The Security Manager service provides a data store for security-related activities, including authentication and auditing

Clients

ScreenConnect sessions are arranged through the web application. Once users join sessions, a ScreenConnect client is launched to connect to the Relay service. ScreenConnect targets clients based on device and operating system:

  • The .NET client is targeted to Microsoft Windows computers and is activated with a custom URI scheme, which starts the session from an installed handler on the controller's workstation.[19] For end users joining a support session, a variety of bootstrappers can be used, including Microsoft's ClickOnce technology.[20]
  • The Java client is targeted to OS X and Linux computers and is activated with Java Web Start.
  • The iOS client is targeted to iPhones and iPads.
  • The Android client is targeted to Android phones and tablets.

Licensing model

ScreenConnect is commercial software. Licenses sit in a pool and are available to any user on any workstation. There are three types of licenses: a single concurrent one that allows one simultaneous connection per license, an unlimited one that allows an unlimited number of concurrent sessions as long as all sessions are utilizing the same server, and an enterprise license that provides flexible options for SaaS, multi-user, or custom functionality.

The concurrent license types are bought as a one-time purchase, with lifetime support. A subscription model is used for updates, which are free during the first year after purchase, after which the "update license" must be renewed. Pricing for updates depends on when the update license was last renewed.[21]

Misuse

ScreenConnect is one of several remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools being employed in rising cybersecurity attacks.[22]

The program, under its previous name of ConnectWise ScreenConnect, has been used in fraudulent technical support scams where the fraudster is able to gain control of the victim's computer by telephoning and tricking the user into installing the software and permitting a connection. The free trial period has been utilized to avoid any software costs in doing this, and similar products, such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Ammyy Admin, have also been used for the scam.[23][24]

Cybercriminal group LockBit exploited vulnerabilities in ScreenConnect.[25] Following this event, ConnectWise CISO Patrick Beggs reported that the company has since discovered new processes to identify unpatched instances.[26] The parent company has since spoken publicly about how it leveraged AI to navigate the security crisis.[27]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "ConnectWise acquires North Carolina software services company". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2025-09-10.
  2. ^ "About ScreenConnect Remote Support Software and ScreenConnect Software, LLC". ScreenConnect. ScreenConnect, LLC. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  3. ^ "ConnectWise Acquires ScreenConnect". ConnectWise. Archived from the original on 6 April 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  4. ^ "ScreenConnect joins the ConnectWise family!". ScreenConnect. ScreenConnect, LLC. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  5. ^ "ScreenConnect is Now ConnectWise® Control™". Connectwise. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  6. ^ Panettieri, Joe (2016-11-06). "ConnectWise Officially Rebrands LabTech, Quosal, ScreenConnect -". ChannelE2E. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  7. ^ "We're bringing back the ScreenConnect name | ConnectWise". screenconnect.connectwise.com. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  8. ^ "ConnectWise ScreenConnect 23.9.8 security fix". ConnectWise. 19 February 2024.
  9. ^ "ScreenConnect 2024.4 Release notes". ScreenConnect. 7 January 2025.
  10. ^ Welekwe, Amakiri (2024-02-14). "ScreenConnect Review 2025". Comparitech. Retrieved 2025-09-10.
  11. ^ Wareprise Remote Support Software
  12. ^ Ohlhorst, Frank (June 9, 2013). eWeek ScreenConnect Shifts Remote Support From the Cloud Back to the Desktop
  13. ^ Jon Jacobi PCWorld Reviews ScreenConnect Archived 2011-04-30 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ "Remote Support Software and Services | ConnectWise Control". Archived from the original on 2010-04-19. Retrieved 2010-12-02.
  15. ^ "ConnectWise ScreenConnect Integrations in 2025". slashdot.org. Retrieved 2025-09-10.
  16. ^ "ConnectWise ScreenConnect". Acronis. Retrieved 2025-09-10.
  17. ^ "ConnectWise ScreenConnect". www.freshworks.com. Retrieved 2025-09-10.
  18. ^ "ConnectWise Control Remote Support App Integration with Zendesk Support". www.zendesk.com. Retrieved 2025-09-10.
  19. ^ "ScreenConnect 5.2 Release Log". ScreenConnect Remote Support Software User Forum. ScreenConnect, LLC. Archived from the original on 8 April 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  20. ^ "Softsea reviews ScreenConnect". Archived from the original on 2010-08-18. Retrieved 2010-12-02.
  21. ^ "Upgrade your ScreenConnect Remote Support Software". ScreenConnect. ScreenConnect, LLC. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  22. ^ Mitchell, Sean (12 March 2025). "Rise in cyberattacks using legitimate RMM tools noted". SecurityBrief Australia.
  23. ^ Sean Gallagher (28 January 2017). ""You took so much time to joke me"—two hours trolling a Windows support scammer". Ars technica. Archived from the original on 2 August 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018. Details of a technical support scam misusing ConnectWise Control with the (now discontinued) URL FIX2X.SCREENCONNECT.COM.
  24. ^ Technical support scammers (8 July 2017). "Fake ConnectWise Control login purporting to be British Telecom support (note name of site)". bttechnicaldepartment.screenconnect.com. Archived from the original on 8 July 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017.
  25. ^ Goodin, Dan (22 February 2024). "Ransomware associated with LockBit still spreading 2 days after server takedown". Ars Technica. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  26. ^ Masters, Jim (2024-02-22). "ConnectWise Vulnerabilities Raise Ransomware Alarms". MSSP Alert. Retrieved 2025-09-10.
  27. ^ "MSSP Alert Live Celebrates the Top 250 MSSPs for 2024 with Industry Leaders in Austin". www.cyberriskalliance.com. Retrieved 2025-09-10.
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