Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Huntress reported that RMM abuse appeared in 45% of the endpoint-related incidents it investigated in Q1 2026. The figure is a Huntress telemetry finding—not an estimate for all businesses—and the company’s new Tragic Quadrant puts RMM abuse among the threats it says defenders should prioritize.
What the 45% figure measures
According to IT Security Guru’s 2026 report on Huntress findings, 45% of the endpoint-related incidents Huntress investigated in the first quarter of 2026 involved abuse of remote monitoring and management (RMM) software. It does not mean that 45% of all endpoint incidents across the industry involved RMM abuse.
The same report says Huntress telemetry covered more than 5 million endpoints, 15 million identities and nearly 300,000 organizations. Those figures describe the environments visible to Huntress, not a random sample of organizations. The full report is gated, so its exact incident denominator and selection method are not available for independent assessment.
Why attackers use RMM software
RMM tools let administrators remotely manage devices, so their legitimate presence can make unauthorized access look like ordinary support or maintenance. Jamie Levy, Huntress’s Senior Director of Adversary Tactics, put the appeal this way: “Why would you spend the cycles to develop or build from scratch when you can use a legitimate tool that you can just pull off the shelf?”
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Huntress describes intrusions in which attackers gain remote access and then install further remote-control tools. In one Akira incident, RDP without MFA was followed by installation of Chrome Remote Desktop, RustDesk and AnyDesk. That example illustrates a possible sequence; it does not establish that any of those applications is inherently malicious.
Huntress’s 2026 Cyber Threat Report also says roughly 70% of active intrusions caught by its SOC start with VPN authentication, often involving valid credentials and no second factor. This is a Huntress SOC observation, not a general rate for all intrusions.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to read the Tragic Quadrant
Huntress’s Tragic Quadrant ranks 11 tactics using two axes: prevalence and what the company calls its “Pucker Factor”—its estimate of how close a tactic gets to serious harm before defenders catch it. The company describes the result as “our data-backed (and highly opinionated) view of the threats that actually deserve your attention.” RMM abuse, mailbox manipulation and account takeover occupy its highest-priority corner.
The quadrant is Huntress’s prioritization view, based on detections and methodology from its own environments. It is not a vendor-neutral or industry-wide ranking. Huntress’s Tragic Quadrant resource page explains the axes, while the full report is gated.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why the other RMM figures are different
Huntress’s 2026 Cyber Threat Report says RMM abuse grew 277% year over year during 2025 and accounted for 24% of all incidents in its 2025 analysis. These measures describe different periods and denominators from the Q1 2026 finding that RMM abuse involved 45% of endpoint-related incidents investigated by Huntress.
| Figure | What it describes | Source and scope |
|---|---|---|
| 45% | Share of Huntress-investigated endpoint-related incidents involving RMM abuse in Q1 2026 | Huntress finding reported by IT Security Guru in 2026 |
| 277% | Year-over-year growth in RMM abuse during 2025 | Huntress 2026 Cyber Threat Report |
| 24% | Share of all incidents attributed to RMM abuse in Huntress’s 2025 analysis | Huntress 2026 Cyber Threat Report |
What businesses should check
The practical takeaway is to establish what remote-management activity is authorized, then investigate activity that falls outside that baseline. An RMM application on a device is not, by itself, evidence of compromise; its owner, purpose and normal use matter.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Keep an accurate inventory. Track devices, approved applications and the people or teams responsible for remote-management software.
- Reduce unnecessary exposure. Remove or disable remote-access services and tools that have no current business purpose, where business operations permit.
- Strengthen access. Require MFA for VPN and other remote-access accounts where supported, and review who can use those accounts.
- Investigate unexpected tools and activity. Check whether a tool is approved and whether its installation, account, timing and behavior fit normal use.
A FIDO2 security key may provide a physical second factor for remote-access accounts that support it. Check compatibility with the VPN, identity provider and remote-access setup before choosing a key; the cited Huntress material does not establish compatibility with any particular product.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
