Automate

Basic Information

ConnectWise Automate, formerly known as LabTech, is a comprehensive Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform designed to help IT professionals and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) automate routine tasks, proactively monitor systems, and provide remote support.

• Model: Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform.
• Version: ConnectWise Automate releases updates periodically. Recent versions include 2025.9 (released October 2025) and 2024.2.
• Release Date: Updates are released regularly. For instance, version 2025.9 was released in October 2025.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Web Server: .NET Framework 3.5, IIS 7.
  • Automation Server: .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2.
  • Database Server: MySQL 5.6 (x86, 64-bit) or MariaDB 10 (winx64).
  • Installable Control Center: .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 10.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Server: Primarily Windows Server (e.g., Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022).
  • Agents:
    • Windows: Windows Server 2008 SP2, Server 2008 R2 SP1, Server 2012, Server 2012 R2, Server 2016, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 10. Windows 11 (x86-64 package works with ARM translation layer).
    • Mac: OSX 10.9, 10.10.5, 10.11, macOS Sierra, and current/previous two versions of macOS.
    • Linux: CentOS, Debian, Fedora, OpenSUSE, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), SUSE Enterprise, Ubuntu.
• Latest Stable Version: ConnectWise continuously releases updates. Recent critical updates address vulnerabilities in versions prior to 2025.9.
• End of Support Date: ConnectWise typically provides lifecycle policies for its products, with support tied to specific versions. Users are encouraged to keep their systems updated to the latest versions to ensure continued support and security.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly stated as a single date for the entire product, but rather managed through version lifecycles.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Cloud-based instances are automatically patched. For on-premises deployments, updates are managed by the user.
• License Type: Subscription-based, with pricing often per agent or per month.
• Deployment Model: Available as both on-premises and cloud-based solutions.

Technical Requirements

ConnectWise Automate's architecture involves agents communicating with a central server, which hosts the database agent and distributes communication.

• RAM: Agent consumes less than 100MB of memory. Server requirements vary significantly based on the number of managed agents and services.
• Processor: Agent consumes about 1% CPU. Server requirements depend on the scale of deployment, with recommendations for multiple CPU cores for larger instances.
• Storage: Database server requires sufficient storage for historical data. Agent data (data at rest) is secured outside the product.
• Display: Not specified for server; Control Center requires standard display capabilities.
• Ports:
  • Open: Port 443 TCP (HTTPS communication), Port 75 UDP (Enhanced Heartbeat), Port 8484 TCP (Solution Center access).
  • Closed/Internal: Port 3306 TCP (MySQL access, internal only), Port 12413 TCP (Automate File Service, internal only), Port 3389 (Windows RDP, should be disabled externally).
• Operating System:
  • Server: Windows Server (e.g., 2016, 2019, 2022).
  • Agent: Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

ConnectWise Automate is designed for scalability, supporting deployments from small to large enterprises. The server-side requirements are highly dependent on the number of managed endpoints and the intensity of monitoring and automation tasks. For optimal performance, especially in larger environments, careful consideration of server CPU, RAM, and database configuration is crucial. The agent itself is lightweight, ensuring minimal impact on managed devices. The platform leverages standard web technologies (IIS, .NET, MySQL/MariaDB) for its core components. Network configuration, particularly firewall port management, is critical for both security and functionality, with a strong recommendation for HTTPS communication and closing unnecessary ports.

Support & Compatibility

ConnectWise Automate offers broad compatibility across various operating systems and integrates with other ConnectWise products and third-party solutions.

• Latest Version: ConnectWise Automate 2025.9 was released in October 2025, addressing critical vulnerabilities.
• OS Support:
  • Server: Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022.
  • Agents: Windows (7, 8, 10, 11, Server versions), macOS (current and previous two versions), and Linux (CentOS, Debian, Fedora, OpenSUSE, RHEL, SUSE Enterprise, Ubuntu).
• End of Support Date: ConnectWise provides support for current and recent versions. Users are advised to stay updated to receive ongoing support and security patches.
• Localization: Information not explicitly detailed in provided snippets, but as an enterprise solution, it typically supports multiple languages.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable as a direct software driver, but Automate supports managing drivers on client machines and integrates with various hardware.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

ConnectWise Automate demonstrates strong compatibility across major operating systems for both its server components and managed agents. This cross-platform support is a key strength, allowing IT professionals to manage diverse environments from a single console. The platform benefits from continuous updates, with recent versions addressing security and functionality. Integration with other ConnectWise solutions, such as ConnectWise Control (ScreenConnect) and PSA tools, enhances its ecosystem. While specific end-of-support dates for older versions are not universally published, the emphasis is on maintaining up-to-date installations for optimal performance, security, and access to support.

Security Status

ConnectWise Automate incorporates several security features and emphasizes best practices for deployment, though it has experienced vulnerabilities that require timely patching.

• Security Features:
  • AES-256 encryption for remote control, with options for AES-192 or AES-256 for tunnels.
  • Enforcement of HTTPS for agent communications.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong password policies for ConnectWise employees, recommended for users.
  • Granular access management and user role permissions.
  • Integration with endpoint security solutions (antivirus/anti-malware).
  • Vulnerability management program with regular scanning and third-party assessments.
  • Support for BitLocker integration for centralized encryption management.
• Known Vulnerabilities:
  • CVE-2025-11492 (CVSS 9.6): Critical flaw allowing interception of unencrypted agent data if configured to use HTTP instead of HTTPS.
  • CVE-2025-11493 (CVSS 8.8): High-severity flaw due to missing integrity verification in the update process, potentially allowing malicious updates.
  • Blind SQL injection vulnerabilities (e.g., in versions before 2024.2 and 2021.5).
  • XXE vulnerability (before 2021.0.6.132).
  • Privilege Escalation via weak permissions in Agent Update System (before 2020.8).
  • Authentication bypass via insufficient validation on certain authentication paths (through 2020.x).
  • Clickjacking vulnerability in login screen (2022.11).
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable as a blacklist status for the software itself, but rather for potentially compromised instances or IPs.
• Certifications: ConnectWise maintains a documented Information Security policy based on NIST and ISO27000 standards.
• Encryption Support: AES-256 for remote control, AES-128/192/256 for tunnels. Supports BitLocker integration for disk encryption.
• Authentication Methods: Password-based authentication, multi-factor authentication (MFA), Single Sign-On (SSO) via SAML.
• General Recommendations:
  • Enforce HTTPS for all agent communications.
  • Ensure TLS 1.2 is enforced on on-premise servers.
  • Regularly apply patches and updates.
  • Limit user access to minimum necessary privileges.
  • Implement GeoIP restrictions to reduce attack surface.
  • Use a reverse proxy for TLS hardening and to hide server details.
  • Disable unnecessary ports (e.g., 3389 RDP, 3306 MySQL externally).

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

ConnectWise Automate provides robust security features, including strong encryption, multi-factor authentication, and granular access controls. However, like many complex enterprise solutions, it has experienced a number of significant vulnerabilities, particularly in older versions or misconfigured on-premises deployments. ConnectWise actively addresses these issues through security bulletins and patches, emphasizing the critical importance of keeping the software updated and adhering to security best practices, such as enforcing HTTPS and TLS 1.2. The platform's security posture is strong when properly configured and regularly maintained, but it requires diligent management from users to mitigate risks associated with known vulnerabilities and potential misconfigurations. The ability to integrate with other security tools and manage disk encryption (BitLocker) further enhances its security capabilities.

Performance & Benchmarks

ConnectWise Automate is designed for efficiency and scalability in managing IT environments.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, publicly available benchmark scores are not commonly provided for RMM software due to the variability of deployment environments and managed endpoints.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Agents consume less than 100MB of memory and about 1% CPU on average.
  • The platform aims to improve operational efficiency and resource utilization by automating tasks.
  • Scalability is a key design principle, with the ability to manage a large number of endpoints.
  • Monitoring scripts can track CPU usage, disk space, and network performance, providing real-time insights.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to software; server resource utilization is the relevant metric.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to software; efficiency in resource utilization on servers contributes indirectly to lower energy consumption.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: ConnectWise Automate is a leading RMM solution, often compared with alternatives like NinjaOne, Atera, and Datto RMM. Users often highlight its comprehensive monitoring, alerting, and automation capabilities as strengths.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

ConnectWise Automate is built to handle the demands of remote monitoring and management efficiently. Its agents are lightweight, minimizing their impact on endpoint performance. The platform's performance is highly dependent on the server infrastructure it runs on, with larger deployments requiring robust CPU and RAM configurations for the Automate server and its database. While specific benchmark numbers are not readily available, the system is designed for scalability, allowing it to manage thousands of agents effectively. Real-world performance is characterized by its ability to provide real-time alerts, automate tasks, and streamline IT operations, contributing to overall efficiency. Some users note that while powerful, the platform can be resource-intensive on the server side if not properly tuned.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews for ConnectWise Automate highlight its strengths in automation and monitoring, alongside some challenges related to complexity and agent reliability.

• Strengths:
  • Monitoring and Alerting: Users highly appreciate the comprehensive monitoring capabilities and the proactive alert system, which keeps them informed about client issues and helps with ticket management.
  • Automation: The robust scripting engine allows for extensive automation of routine tasks, improving efficiency and reducing human error. Many consider it the "backbone" of their automated MSP operations.
  • Asset Management: Users find asset management easy to implement and use daily.
  • Remote Control: Seamless integration with ConnectWise Control (ScreenConnect) provides fast and effective remote support.
  • Deployment Ease: Users appreciate the ease of agent deployment, enhancing remote capabilities.
  • Customer Support: Some users value the excellent customer support.
• Weaknesses:
  • Complexity/Learning Curve: The platform can be challenging to learn and configure, especially for new users or those without extensive IT experience.
  • Overwhelming Alerts: Some users struggle with an overwhelming number of alerts if not properly configured.
  • Agent Reliability: Intermittent connection issues and delays with agent reinstallation are reported, impacting workflow and efficiency.
  • Performance Graphing: Some users note a lack of native graphing for CPU and memory utilization over time, making historical data analysis difficult.
  • Scripting Engine: While powerful, some describe the scripting engine as "a bit old and clunky."
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Managed Service Providers (MSPs) looking for a comprehensive RMM solution to manage client networks.
  • Organizations needing to automate routine IT tasks like patch management, software deployment, and system monitoring.
  • Businesses requiring robust remote support capabilities and asset inventory management.
  • Environments with diverse operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) that need centralized management.

Summary

ConnectWise Automate is a powerful and comprehensive Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform, serving as a critical tool for IT professionals and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to streamline operations and deliver efficient IT services. Its core strengths lie in its extensive automation capabilities, robust monitoring and alerting systems, and broad cross-platform compatibility for agents across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. The platform excels at proactive issue detection, asset management, and remote control, making it an indispensable asset for managing diverse IT infrastructures.

However, the asset is not without its challenges. Users frequently point to a steep learning curve and the inherent complexity of the system as potential drawbacks. Configuration of alerts requires careful attention to avoid overwhelming notifications, and some users report intermittent agent connectivity issues. While powerful, the scripting engine can be perceived as clunky, and native historical performance graphing could be improved.

From a security standpoint, ConnectWise Automate offers strong features like AES-256 encryption, MFA, and granular access controls. Nevertheless, it has faced significant vulnerabilities, necessitating a proactive approach to patching and adherence to security best practices, such as enforcing HTTPS and TLS 1.2, especially for on-premises deployments. Regular updates and proper configuration are paramount to maintaining a secure environment. The lightweight nature of its agents ensures minimal impact on managed endpoints, while server-side performance scales with appropriate hardware investment.

Overall, ConnectWise Automate is a highly capable RMM solution best suited for MSPs and IT departments that are willing to invest time in its configuration and ongoing management. Its strengths in automation and comprehensive monitoring can significantly enhance operational efficiency, provided that users are diligent in keeping the system updated and secured. For organizations seeking a powerful, centralized platform to manage and automate IT tasks across a heterogeneous environment, ConnectWise Automate remains a leading choice, despite its learning curve and the need for continuous security vigilance.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.