8 Key Security Controls for RMM Software Management
Managed service providers must enhance RMM software security by implementing eight critical controls. This article outlines necessary precautions and best practices.
Securing remote monitoring and management (RMM) software is essential for managed service providers (MSPs) who must protect their clients’ networks. Acronis has developed key best practices that MSPs should employ to enhance the security of their RMM systems, given the inherent risks of RMM access.
Unattended administrative access through RMM tools can create vulnerabilities. In recent years, cybercriminals have exploited such weaknesses, demonstrating the urgent need for improved protective measures.
Understanding the Risks of RMM Software
RMM software allows MSPs to manage numerous customer devices and networks remotely. However, this access poses a significant attack surface. Individual incidents highlight these vulnerabilities, including:
- The N-able emergency hotfix for CVE-2026-86218, a critical pre-authentication remote code execution flaw affecting N-central RMM, which exposed about 1,500 servers.
- The 2025 Microsoft SharePoint zero-day vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-53770 and CVE-2025-53771, which were compromised before patches could be released, highlighting the rapid exposure of vulnerable servers.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has indicated that ransomware actors frequently exploit legitimate RMM software to breach client networks. These incidents underscore the importance of understanding the repercussions of compromised accounts, endpoints, or RMM workflows.
Essential Security Controls for RMM
Here is a detailed checklist that MSPs should utilize to evaluate their RMM software and its capabilities:
| Control | Description | Validation Test |
|---|---|---|
| Endpoint Discovery and Inventory | Continuous detection and inventory of all endpoints, servers, and network devices. | Introduce a new device and assess discovery time and policy assignment accuracy. |
| Risk-based Patch Management | Regular patching to mitigate unpatched vulnerabilities. | Evaluate update prioritization and deployment issue handling. |
| Access Controls and Privileged Administration | Implementation of strong identity and access management practices. | Test role-based controls and verify user permissions against responsibilities. |
| Alert Prioritization and Operational Visibility | Effective filtering of alerts to prevent overwhelming technicians. | Test alert context and the ability to discern critical from routine alerts. |
| Secure Automation and Scripting | Control over automated scripts managing privileged tasks across devices. | Evaluate approval processes and auditing capabilities during script changes. |
| Integration with Security Operations | Seamless collaboration between operational and security workflows. | Simulate incidents to assess incident response workflows and context preservation. |
| Recovery Readiness | Efficiency in backup and restoration after incidents. | Test recovery processes to ensure systems are restored securely and fully updated. |
| Tenant Separation and Auditability | Ensuring distinct client environments are maintained. | Verify client segregation and review detailed audit trails. |
Why Each Control Matters
Each of the aforementioned controls plays a critical role in fortifying the RMM solutions employed by MSPs:
1. Endpoint Discovery and Inventory
An MSP must secure all devices, including newly connected ones. Continuous endpoint discovery ensures no vulnerable device is overlooked.
2. Risk-Based Patch Management
By prioritizing patches based on risk, MSPs can better manage system vulnerabilities that may lead to breaches.
3. Access Controls and Privileged Administration
Limiting technician permissions to essential functions minimizes the risk of unauthorized actions.
4. Alert Prioritization and Operational Visibility
Reducing alert fatigue improves incident response times and prioritizes critical alerts.
5. Secure Automation and Scripting
Scripts must be subject to governance to avoid unintended consequences across multiple devices.
6. Integration with Security Operations
Fluid operations between monitoring and security actions enhances responsiveness to threats.
7. Recovery Readiness
Testing recovery helps ensure the integrity of restored systems, reducing vulnerability to re-infection.
8. Tenant Separation and Auditability
Isolating client environments ensures that security incidents do not spill over between tenants.
Acronis RMM and the Checklist
Acronis offers RMM as part of the Acronis Cyber Platform, which integrates various services aimed at improving security postures for MSPs. The platform supports the eight controls outlined above:
| Control | Acronis' Capability | Validation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery and Inventory | Device Sense™; hardware and software inventories. | Confirm supported discovery methods and policy assignment. |
| Patch Management | Automated patching; AI risk scoring; fail-safe patching. | Confirm application coverage and configuration requirements. |
| Identity and Access Management | Multifactor authentication; role-based management; granular roles. | Test least-privilege scope and audit records. |
| Alert Handling | Anomaly-based monitoring; auto-response; shared platform context. | Test tuning, grouping and escalation workflows. |
| Scripting | Self-defense; two-step approval; audit logs; secure credential storage. | Test production script changes and execution history. |
| Incident Response | Native integration with Acronis EDR and Acronis XDR. | Verify entitlements and containment workflow. |
| Recovery | Backup integration; anti-malware scans; fail-safe patching. | Verify storage, package and recovery requirements. |
| Tenant Boundaries and Evidence | Multitenant management; role-based access; reporting. | Confirm per-client segregation and exports. |
Taking Action Against Vulnerabilities
RMM security is not just about ensuring uptime and providing remote access capabilities. It also involves careful planning, testing, and piloting difficult scenarios, including:
- An unmanaged endpoint test
- A failed patch deployment scenario
- Unauthorized script execution
- Testing a compromised test device
- Assessing restricted technician account activities
- Recovering a system that requires updates
Thoroughly testing these scenarios allows MSPs to verify whether their chosen platform can adequately mitigate operational risks while managing growing endpoint counts.
Key Takeaways
- MSPs must implement eight specific controls to secure RMM software effectively.
- Acronis Cyber Platform offers integrated capabilities that align with these controls.
- Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities requires rigorous testing of both software and practices.
- Recovery readiness is as crucial as prevention measures in RMM security.
- Understanding the risks associated with RMM tools helps MSPs safeguard their operations and their clients.
In conclusion, the rise of remote access tools has created new vulnerabilities that MSPs must proactively address. By rigorously applying these eight controls, MSPs can significantly enhance their RMM security posture and reduce the risk of exploitation.
Frequently Asked Questions