Securing RDP 101: Key Steps to Enhance Your Remote Desktop Security

Remote Desktop Protocol, more popularly known as RDP, is a network communication protocol developed by Microsoft. Although other protocols like Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) and Virtual Network Computing (VNC) exist, RDP remains the most used remote desktop access software. RDP is designed to allow users to control and operate remote systems using their Windows-based devices. Network protocols govern how devices interact over a network and with remote work transforming corporate workspaces, RDP and other remote desktop tools are gaining popularity.

Security breaches and data loss events can have devastating consequences for business operations and RDP is often a glaring vulnerability in this context. Hackers can exploit weak security configurations and outdated software to leak confidential organizational data, emphasizing the need to secure RDP operations.

Cooperation between employees and the business is essential in fully securing the RDP environment. This article aims to educate business owners on simple yet crucial practices to safeguard your remote access solution and maintain robust RDP security. These key strategies will help organizations effectively mitigate external threats and preserve the integrity of organizational data.

8 Simple Practices for Complete RDP Security

Although RDP is invaluable for remote access, IT, and system support, it introduces several security concerns. Weak login credentials, irregular update schedules, and improper configurations are common vulnerabilities that underscore the importance of securing RDP. Threat actors can try to brute force their way into networks or intercept and compromise data during transmission if not properly encrypted. Organizations can significantly bolster RDP security by implementing strong authentication measures and regularly updating software.

This section highlights 8 simple yet highly effective ways in which you can go about securing RDP.

1. Implement Strong Authentication

   Securing RDP should always start with strong authentication credentials to prevent unauthorized access. Most users rely on the same, commonly used password for all their accounts. This is a common but risky practice that significantly undermines the effectiveness of other security measures. Fancy firewalls and encryption protocols are rendered useless if hackers can exploit weak passwords to access organizational data. Adopting a strong, unique password and regularly changing it is the first line of defense against external threats. Using password managers to generate and store all your passwords also helps in improving RDP security. Remember that the overall security of the organization is only as strong as each employee’s password.

   Businesses should also implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) measures to shore up their defenses. MFA adds a layer of security that makes unauthorized access much more difficult even if the threat actors obtain the login credentials. MFA verifies user identity by requiring additional factors beyond the password like a biometric scan or mobile device-based temporary codes. By incorporating MFA and strong passwords, businesses can ensure a higher level of protection for their RDP environment.

2. Configuring NLA

   NLA, or Network Level Authentication, is an RDP security protocol that requires users to authenticate themselves before a remote session can be initiated. This authentication can be configured to accept a password or other factors like a company ID card or biometric scans. By activating NLA, organizations can introduce another layer of security that complements the steps mentioned in the previous section.

   

3. Restricting RDP Access

   Organizations can secure RDP by only allowing authorized and trusted sources to access the network. Deploying competent firewalls greatly helps in this regard. They can be configured to block all inbound traffic except from specific, whitelisted IP addresses. Doing so significantly reduces the chance of a system breach. Even if a threat actor does discover your RDP port, they will not be able to access it as their IP address will not be on the whitelist. The RDP port in this instance refers to the default TCP port 3389 that RDP uses to facilitate network access.

4. Using Encryption

   Encrypting data and files, whether they are in transit or at rest, should be a common business practice to maximize security. RDP only provides encryption for data during transmission and third-party encryption is advised for the stored data. RDP supports the standard 128-bit encryptions by default in addition to the transport layer security (TLS) protocol. We also suggest that users configure their RDP to update to the latest version of TLS.

5. Keeping Software Up to Date

   RDP rolls out software updates and patches quite regularly and updating to the latest versions ensures that the system is as best protected as possible against vulnerabilities. Certain industries are also subject to compliance policies that necessitate these regular updates. Users should configure the RDP settings to automatically receive and install security updates and regularly monitor for patches.

6. Monitoring and Logging RDP Sessions

   Organizations should monitor and log RDP sessions and any intrusions to be better prepared for future disruptions. Logging RDP sessions allows organizations to rapidly detect and respond to threats. Detailed logging reports should highlight unusual events like failed login attempts or suspicious session behaviors. In addition to improving overall security, monitoring and logging RDP sessions provides insights into related factors like peak usage time, resource consumption patterns, and user behavior. This information can be used to improve organizational performance and streamline resource utilization.

Also read: Citrix vs. RDP: Evaluating Remote Desktop Solutions

7. Implementing Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway)

   Remote Desktop (RD) Gateway provides yet another security layer to further secure RDP environments. It acts as an intermediary, creating a secure and encrypted channel between the user’s device and the internal network. RD Gateway also helps track and monitor session logins, allowing administrators to enforce access control policies from a single centralized panel.

8. Educating Users and Best Practices

   The final step in securing RDP access is to conduct a user training seminar, where employees are educated about the security risks they face and how they can help improve organizational security. Empowering users by providing them with the tools and knowledge to protect their remote desktops goes a long way toward securing RDP.

Choose Apps4Rent for Premier RDP Security Protocols

As we near the end of this comprehensive guide on RDP security measures, it is important to take the necessary action from the knowledge gained. The steps we have outlined are only useful if implemented. While initiatives like educating employees on security practices and enforcing strong, unique passwords are internal responsibilities, we recommend contacting qualified IT professionals to implement software-related measures.

Apps4Rent’s extensive technical expertise makes us the prime choice for securing your RDP setup. We have helped more than 10,000 customers with a range of technical issues, cloud and virtual desktop hosting, and software integrations and migrations making us the best choice for all your tech needs.

Apps4Rent is a Tier 1 Microsoft Partner and has been a reliable cloud service provider (not our words, you can check customer reviews on Google and Trustpilot) for two decades now.

If you are new to remote computing and are seeking a service provider for remote desktop access, consider partnering with us. Our managed virtual desktop is based on the RDP protocol, giving us the ability to effectively counter and prevent related security issues. We will handle the technical side of things and ensure the security of your RDP environment, while you can focus on scaling your business and taking it to new heights.

We have a dedicated support team that can be reached over call, text, or mail to help solve all your technical issues as a customer, including ways to improve RDP security.

Also read: How to Manage RDP Device Redirections for Cloud PCs?