What Is Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Security?

Learn how threat actors exploit RMM tools for ransomware attacks and discover detection strategies and security best practices to protect your environment.

What Is RMM?

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software enables IT teams and managed service providers to remotely monitor, maintain, and manage distributed endpoints. Core capabilities include remote access, system monitoring, autonomous patching, and privileged script execution. According to CISA's Remote Access Guide, RMM tools function as software that enables "managed service providers (MSPs), software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers, IT help desks, and other network administrators to remotely perform several functions."

Consider this scenario: your IT team deploys ConnectWise ScreenConnect at 9 AM for legitimate system maintenance. At 9:15 AM, BlackSuit ransomware operators use that same tool to encrypt your entire network. This scenario played out throughout 2024-2025, with the FBI and CISA documenting over 900 victims of the Play ransomware campaign alone through May 2025.

How RMM Relates to Cybersecurity

RMM tools evolved from essential IT administration platforms into attack surfaces exploited by threat actors ranging from cybercriminals to nation-state APTs. This transformation happened because RMM software provides exactly what attackers need: privileged system access, command and control infrastructure, and legitimate-looking network traffic that bypasses traditional security controls.

According to CISA Advisory AA23-061A on BlackSuit Ransomware, "FBI observed BlackSuit actors using legitimate remote monitoring and management (RMM) software to maintain persistence in victim networks." MITRE ATT&CK T1219.002 identifies the fundamental security challenge: RMM tools "are commonly used as legitimate technical support software and may be allowed by application control within a target environment."

To understand why RMM platforms create such significant security exposure, organizations must first examine the architectural components that make these tools both powerful and dangerous.

Core Components of RMM

RMM platforms consist of interconnected architectural components that enable remote administration at scale. Understanding these components reveals why threat actors target RMM infrastructure and how exploitation cascades across environments.

• Central Management Console serves as the administrative control plane where IT teams configure policies, deploy agents, and monitor endpoint status. When threat actors compromise this console, they gain administrative control over every managed endpoint simultaneously.
• Agent Software installed on managed endpoints executes commands, collects system data, and maintains persistent connections to management infrastructure. These agents run with SYSTEM or root-level privileges to perform administrative tasks. According to CISA's Remote Access Guide, this privileged execution context allows threat actors to deploy ransomware, harvest credentials, and move laterally without triggering privilege escalation alerts.
• Communication Infrastructure establishes outbound connections from managed endpoints to RMM servers for command reception and data transmission. Threat actors exploit these pre-approved communication channels for command and control, blending malicious traffic with authorized management sessions.
• Autonomous Scripting Engine enables IT teams to deploy patches, configure systems, and execute remediation tasks across thousands of endpoints through PowerShell, Bash, or proprietary scripting languages. According to CISA Advisory AA25-071A on Medusa Ransomware, threat actors deploy base64-obfuscated PowerShell scripts through RMM platforms to harvest Veeam backup credentials and enumerate network infrastructure before ransomware deployment.
• Remote Access Interface provides interactive desktop control, file transfer capabilities, and remote shell access for troubleshooting and administration. Groups like Scattered Spider deploy multiple RMM tools including TeamViewer and AnyDesk, while Storm-1811 abuses ScreenConnect and NetSupport Manager to establish persistent interactive access.

Despite these security concerns, RMM tools remain essential for modern IT operations. Understanding their legitimate value explains why organizations continue deploying them—and why threat actors find them so attractive.

Key Benefits of RMM

RMM platforms deliver measurable operational efficiency for IT teams managing distributed infrastructure at scale. These legitimate benefits explain why organizations deploy RMM tools and why threat actors systematically exploit them.

• Centralized Management at Scale enables single administrators to manage thousands of endpoints across geographic locations through unified consoles. However, according to CISA and FBI documentation, this centralization creates significant security risks when RMM platforms suffer compromise, affecting organizations in documented ransomware campaigns.
• Proactive System Monitoring enables continuous logging and monitoring of RMM activity to find unauthorized access and suspicious lateral movement patterns. Autonomous alerts on anomalous RMM behavior reduce dwell time and enable faster incident response.
• Autonomous Patch Management deploys security updates, application patches, and configuration changes without manual intervention. RMM platforms handle distribution, installation, and verification across managed endpoints, closing vulnerability windows faster than manual processes.
• Reduced On-Site Support Requirements eliminates physical access needs for most troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. Support teams can resolve help desk tickets through remote sessions instead of dispatching technicians, decreasing support costs and accelerating resolution times.

The same capabilities that make RMM indispensable for IT teams: privileged access, remote command execution, and persistent connectivity, make these tools equally valuable to attackers seeking network control.

How Threat Actors Exploit RMM Tools

Threat actors exploit RMM tools through four primary attack vectors, each leveraging the inherent trust organizations place in remote management infrastructure.

• Credential Theft and Account Compromise represents the most common exploitation method. According to CISA Advisory AA23-025A, threat actors target "legitimate, compromised credentials" through phishing campaigns, credential stuffing attacks using password lists from previous breaches, and purchasing stolen credentials from initial access brokers on dark web marketplaces. Once attackers obtain valid RMM credentials, they inherit full administrative privileges across all managed endpoints without triggering security alerts. Credential theft enables attackers to blend seamlessly with legitimate administrative activity, making detection extremely difficult. Threat actors also target service accounts and API keys that may have weaker password policies or lack MFA enforcement.
• Vulnerability Exploitation targets unpatched RMM platforms with known security flaws. ConnectWise ScreenConnect's CVE-2024-1709 achieved CVSS 10.0 severity with authentication bypass enabling unauthenticated remote code execution. Within days of disclosure, threat actors weaponized this vulnerability for mass ransomware deployment across thousands of organizations. According to CISA Advisory AA25-163A, active exploitation of SimpleHelp RMM led to "service disruptions and double extortion incidents" affecting a utility billing software provider and its downstream customers.
• Rogue RMM Deployment involves threat actors installing unauthorized remote access tools on compromised systems to establish persistent access independent of existing security controls. Attackers deploy legitimate RMM software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer disguised as business documents through phishing emails. According to CISA Advisory AA23-025A, attackers use help-desk themed phishing campaigns to convince users to grant remote access or install portable RMM executables that require no installation privileges. These portable versions bypass application whitelisting controls and provide immediate remote access without administrative credentials.

• Supply Chain Compromise targets MSPs and IT service providers who manage RMM infrastructure for multiple clients. A single MSP compromise cascades to all downstream customers through trusted management channels. The 2021 Kaseya VSA attack demonstrated this amplification effect when REvil ransomware propagated through MSP relationships to encrypt over 1,500 downstream organizations within hours. Attackers specifically target MSPs because one compromised provider grants access to dozens or hundreds of client environments.

Given these exploitation methods, security teams need reliable indicators to distinguish malicious RMM activity from legitimate administration.

How to Detect RMM-Based Attacks

Detecting RMM-based attacks requires monitoring for behavioral anomalies that distinguish malicious activity from legitimate administration. Traditional signature-based detection fails because RMM tools are legitimate software performing expected functions.

• Unauthorized RMM Tool Installation: Monitor for new remote access software on endpoints without change management approval. Watch for tools not sanctioned by IT policy, including TeamViewer, AnyDesk, ScreenConnect, Atera, Splashtop, LogMeIn, RemotePC, and NetSupport Manager. According to MITRE ATT&CK documentation, threat actors frequently deploy multiple RMM tools simultaneously to establish redundant access channels.
• Anomalous Session Timing and Duration: Flag off-hours access patterns for investigation. RMM sessions initiated at 2 AM from geographic locations inconsistent with administrator locations warrant immediate review. Monitor for sessions with unusual duration compared to baseline administrative activity, particularly extended sessions on systems that rarely require remote administration.
• Suspicious Command Execution: Alert on base64-encoded PowerShell commands, credential harvesting tools targeting LSASS memory or Veeam backup databases, and network enumeration commands like nltest, net group, dsquery, or systeminfo executed through RMM channels. According to CISA Advisory AA25-071A, threat actors use cmd.exe and PowerShell through RMM platforms for filesystem enumeration and credential harvesting before deploying ransomware.
• Lateral Movement Indicators: Track which endpoints administrators typically manage and alert when RMM sessions target domain controllers, backup servers, financial systems, or executive workstations without documented change requests. Sudden access to high-value assets from previously dormant RMM connections signals potential compromise.
• Multiple Concurrent RMM Installations: Attackers install backup RMM tools to maintain persistence if security teams disable their primary access. Alert when endpoints show more than one active RMM agent or when new RMM tools appear shortly after security incidents. Maintain a whitelist of approved RMM tools and treat any deviation as a potential indicator of compromise.
• File Transfer Activity: Monitor for large file transfers to external destinations, especially compressed archives or database exports transferred during off-hours. Threat actors commonly use RMM file transfer features to exfiltrate sensitive data before ransomware deployment.

Centralize RMM logs in SIEM platforms to correlate these indicators across environments and enable rapid response to emerging threats.

Even with robust detection capabilities in place, organizations face fundamental security challenges inherent to RMM architecture that complicate defensive efforts.

RMM Security Challenges and Limitations

RMM platforms present fundamental security challenges that traditional approaches cannot solve. These challenges stem from architectural design decisions that prioritize administrative functionality over security controls.

• Application Control Bypass by Design occurs because RMM tools appear as legitimate, pre-approved software performing expected administrative functions. According to MITRE ATT&CK T1219.002, RMM tools "are commonly used as legitimate technical support software and may be allowed by application control within a target environment." Endpoint protection sees authorized software and permits execution.
• Privileged Access Requirements mandate that RMM agents run with SYSTEM or root-level privileges to perform administrative tasks. When threat actors compromise RMM sessions, they inherit these elevated privileges while maintaining the appearance of legitimate administrative activity.
• Legitimate Traffic Patterns make network-based identification ineffective because RMM communication appears identical to authorized management sessions. According to CISA's Remote Access Guide, threat actors use legitimate RMM infrastructure to "manage multiple intrusions at once," controlling multiple compromised networks simultaneously through approved channels.
• Vulnerability Exposure Windows create urgent patching requirements when RMM platforms suffer authentication bypass or remote code execution vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are rapidly weaponized by threat actors who scan the internet for exposed RMM infrastructure.
• Multi-Vendor Tool Proliferation creates visibility gaps when organizations deploy multiple RMM solutions across departments, acquired subsidiaries, or project-specific requirements. IT departments approve ScreenConnect while development teams install TeamViewer and help desks deploy Splashtop without centralized oversight.

These architectural challenges become critical vulnerabilities when combined with common operational oversights.

Common RMM Security Mistakes

Organizations frequently make preventable errors that expose their RMM infrastructure to exploitation:

• Shadow IT and unauthorized RMM deployments occur when organizations fail to inventory all remote access tools deployed across their environment. According to CISA Advisory AA23-025A, threat actors exploit shadow IT installations that proliferate without security team awareness.
• Weak or default credentials on RMM platforms provide direct administrative access through credential abuse. CISA Advisory AA23-025A identifies using weak credentials or credentials compromised through previous breaches as a critical vulnerability.
• Inadequate network segmentation enables lateral movement across entire environments after initial RMM compromise. Threat actors use RMM for lateral movement from initial access to full network compromise.
• Insufficient logging and monitoring allows threat actors to conduct malicious operations while appearing as legitimate administrative sessions. Failing to monitor RMM session logs enables data exfiltration and malware deployment to proceed unnoticed.
• Unpatched RMM software provides known exploitation pathways with publicly available exploit code. ConnectWise ScreenConnect CVE-2024-1709 affects versions 23.9.7 and earlier with a CVSS score of 10.0.

Addressing these mistakes requires systematic implementation of security controls that balance operational needs with risk reduction.

RMM Security Best Practices

Implementing security best practices based on CISA, NSA, and CIS Controls guidance reduces RMM exploitation risk while maintaining operational functionality.

• Mandatory RMM Software Inventory and Audit: Establish visibility into all remote access tools deployed across environments. Audit RMM software quarterly using endpoint identification tools and network traffic analysis. Block execution of unauthorized remote access software through application control policies aligned with CIS Control 2.
• Strong Authentication and MFA Enforcement: Require multi-factor authentication for all RMM administrative access. Implement phishing-resistant MFA methods that prevent bypass through session token theft.
• Continuous Vulnerability Management with Prioritized Patching: Monitor CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog for RMM-related CVEs. Establish emergency patching procedures for internet-facing RMM infrastructure separate from standard patch cycles.
• Network Segmentation and Access Restrictions: Deploy RMM infrastructure in isolated network segments with strict firewall rules. Restrict RMM access to specific endpoint groups based on administrative need.
• Phishing Resistance and User Awareness Training: Train users to recognize RMM-related phishing campaigns. Implement email security controls that block executable attachments disguised as tax documents or invoices.
• Incident Response Planning for RMM Compromise: Document procedures for emergency RMM access revocation. Maintain backup administrative access methods that do not rely on potentially compromised RMM platforms.
• Behavioral AI Implementation for Pattern Recognition: Deploy endpoint protection platforms with behavioral AI capabilities that monitor for suspicious remote access tool behavior. Security platforms should alert on multiple RMM tools being deployed simultaneously, unexpected administrative actions during off-hours, or RMM sessions originating from unusual geographic locations.

Implementing behavioral AI detection requires security platforms purpose-built to identify anomalous RMM activity while permitting legitimate administrative operations.

Stop RMM-Based Attacks with SentinelOne

SentinelOne Singularity Platform employs behavioral AI to find and autonomously stop RMM-based attacks through continuous endpoint behavior monitoring. The platform delivers strong performance in independent MITRE ATT&CK evaluations with high threat visibility and zero delays. SentinelOne is recognized as a Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader for Endpoint Protection Platforms.

When threat actors deploy RMM clients disguised as business documents, Singularity Endpoint uses behavioral AI to find execution chains including process injection, privilege escalation, and network connections to unauthorized RMM infrastructure. Security teams receive correlated alerts with complete forensic context through Storyline technology, which reconstructs entire attack narratives automatically and maps them to MITRE ATT&CK TTPs.

Purple AI accelerates RMM threat investigation through natural language queries and AI-generated analysis. When teams investigate suspicious ScreenConnect activity at 2 AM, Purple AI provides conversational insights about which systems were accessed and why specific behaviors may indicate malicious intent. Early adopters report up to 80% faster threat hunting with Purple AI's natural language interface.

When threat actors execute ransomware payloads through compromised RMM sessions, Singularity Platform's behavioral AI identifies suspicious activity patterns and triggers autonomous response actions including process termination and network isolation. One-click rollback restores affected systems to pre-attack states, minimizing damage and eliminating ransom payments. According to SentinelOne MITRE evaluation results, the platform generated 88% fewer alerts than competing solutions, reducing alert fatigue while maintaining complete threat visibility.

Request a SentinelOne demo to see how behavioral AI stops RMM-based attacks autonomously.

Key Takeaways

RMM tools evolved from essential IT platforms into attack surfaces exploited by ransomware families including BlackSuit, Medusa, LockBit, Play, RansomHub, Akira, Phobos, and Rhysida. The FBI and CISA documented over 900 organizations affected by the Play ransomware campaign alone through May 2025. Threat actors exploit RMM tools through credential theft, vulnerability exploitation, rogue tool deployment, and supply chain compromise targeting MSPs.

Government advisories from CISA, FBI, and NSA identify RMM exploitation as a mature, widely adopted tactic requiring mandatory defensive controls. Organizations should implement software audits, MFA enforcement, network segmentation, and thorough logging and monitoring to reduce RMM security risks. Detection strategies must focus on behavioral anomalies including off-hours access, unauthorized tool installation, and suspicious command execution through RMM scripting engines.

Behavioral AI approaches find anomalous usage patterns through continuous endpoint behavior monitoring that signature-based tools miss. SentinelOne Singularity Platform delivers strong MITRE ATT&CK evaluation performance with 88% fewer alerts than competing solutions, providing autonomous protection against RMM-based threats.

FAQs

What is RMM?

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) is software that enables IT teams and managed service providers to remotely monitor, maintain, and manage distributed endpoints from a centralized console. RMM platforms provide capabilities including remote desktop access, system health monitoring, autonomous patch deployment, and privileged script execution across thousands of endpoints. 

While RMM tools deliver essential operational efficiency for IT administration, threat actors increasingly exploit these same capabilities for ransomware deployment, credential harvesting, and persistent network access.

How do I identify Unauthorized RMM Software in my Environment?

Conduct software inventory audits using endpoint identification tools, network traffic analysis, and asset management platforms to find all remote access software. 

Look for common RMM tools including TeamViewer, AnyDesk, ScreenConnect, Atera, Splashtop, LogMeIn, and NetSupport Manager. Deploy application control policies that block execution of unapproved remote access software.

What makes RMM-Based Attacks difficult to stop with traditional security tools?

RMM platforms bypass traditional security controls because they appear as legitimate, pre-approved software performing expected administrative functions. According to MITRE ATT&CK T1219.002, application controls permit execution because RMM tools function as "legitimate technical support software." 

Behavioral AI approaches find malicious patterns by analyzing actions performed through RMM sessions rather than attempting to classify RMM software as malicious.

Should organizations stop using RMM tools due to security risks?

Organizations should not eliminate RMM tools but must implement extensive security controls around deployment, usage, and monitoring. Apply defense-in-depth strategies including mandatory MFA, network segmentation, thorough logging, behavioral monitoring, and continuous vulnerability management. 

Deploy behavioral AI security platforms that find anomalous RMM usage patterns while permitting legitimate administrative operations.

How quickly should I patch RMM Vulnerabilities?

Patch internet-facing RMM infrastructure within 24 hours of disclosure for authentication bypass or remote code execution vulnerabilities. 

ConnectWise ScreenConnect CVE-2024-1709 achieved CVSS 10.0 severity with public exploits available within days. Establish emergency patching procedures for RMM platforms separate from standard patch cycles.

What MITRE ATT&CK techniques should I monitor for RMM-based attacks?

Focus identification efforts on MITRE ATT&CK T1219 (Remote Access Software) and sub-technique T1219.002 (Remote Desktop Software). 

Monitor for related techniques including T1078 (Valid Accounts), T1543.003 (Windows Service creation), T1071 (Application Layer Protocol), T1027.013 (base64 obfuscation), T1046 (network enumeration), and T1003 (credential harvesting).