How to choose between N-able and Action1 for patching and remote support
Comparing remote management tools is difficult because vendors often provide vague security assurances instead of clear technical answers. This lack of transparency makes it hard to verify if solutions like N-able or Action1 are truly safe and functional before deploying them to manage updates.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Switching to alternative platforms like Datto RMM or PDQ Connect
- 2Running trials and proof-of-concept testing to contrast features
- 3Requiring a VPN or always-on VPN solution
- 4Sending cybersecurity questionnaires and scoring them via a rubric
- 5Isolating servers on a DMZ
- 6using alternative tools like NinjaOne, Splashtop, RustDesk, or BeyondTrust/Bomgar
- 7securing instances using IP whitelisting, firewalls, or Tailscale
- 8scaling back unattended sessions and relying on UltraVNC for day-to-day tasks
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Vendor says his remote access solution is secure. Is it though?”source ↗
“When pressed for further details he elaborated: >We have an encrypted signed SSL certificate that we use for the connection. The endpoint is our web service. The access to the web service requires Active Directory authentication and inclusion in a specific security group in the AD.”source ↗
“He said "we have this installed in many places and we've never had a problem." That's nice, but it doesn't mean that there won't be a problem tomorrow.”source ↗
“I have been wanting to move away from SC for quite a while now, but can't find a suitable replacement. Mostly due to SC's Backstage functionality - I use that ALOT and I haven't found any other product that provides something similar.”source ↗
“Mostly due to SC's Backstage functionality - I use that ALOT and I haven't found any other product that provides something similar.”source ↗
“I do 90% of my SC work backstage - never seen another like it.”source ↗
“I've used N-Able for around 4 years from a MSP but I think it's way behind in terms of functionaility.”source ↗
“Trialing out Action1 and Action1 is way easier to setup and patching experience seems to be a lot better.”source ↗
“Their explanation provides more questions than answers.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 4How to manage remote IT infrastructure without a dedicated team
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- 3Why does software installation fail on secure systems?