A Practical Approach to Understanding and Securing RDP in Cyber Security

It is fair to say there has been an increasing reliance on Remote Access and similar distant connectivity solutions. Remote access in some form has become essential in numerous academic, business, health, government and industry situations worldwide. The ability to connect to systems and data from anywhere on the globe is critical for productivity, workflow,communication, business continuity and more.

This article aims to provide practical insights into Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and its security implications, offering actionable steps to enhance yours and your clients’ RDP security.

From awareness of the various threats through to best practice and cybersecurity essentials, this article aims to focus on practicalities which will keep attacks at bay. We can then focus on how simple it can be integrating RDS-Tools Advanced Security to any infrastructure to achieve robust cyber-protection.

What is RDP?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a protocol, which is akin to a language: all using the same one puts all devices on one line to make communication possible. In other words, it is a set of rules dictating how communication must take place (shape, form, steps, etc.) between endpoints. Just as people choose a common language or mode of communication (email,phone, face-to-face, etc.). This particular set of rules defines the bases for remote communication between servers and devices supporting such connections. Most current Windows devices, from servers to PCs and laptops, support RDP.

In so far as Windows Home Editions simply do not include a remote protocol, they are about the only exception. Thus, RDP capability is basically down to the version of Windows installed on a device.

Overall, RDP can be enabled for users to then connect to their computer from a distant device via a network connection, as though they were physically present. Developed by Microsoft for this purpose, it makes specific ports of a server “reachable” for external communication, opening a whole host of possibilities.

Why is Cyber Security so important for RDP?

No wonder understanding Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is essential. It has grown central to the way many companies now function. RDP is widely used for remote work, enabling employees to access their work computers from home. IT administrators use RDP for such tasks as remote troubleshooting, system updates and maintenance.

 

What is RDP in Cyber Security?

In cyber security, RDP is seen as a source of vulnerability for networks, servers and data. Apart from being vulnerable, RDP is very useful. Hence the need to protect it, so it can be put to good use without the dangers. And hence the possibility of working around RDP, to do away with potential issues before they come into existence.

Identifying RDP Security Threats

• Some Common Security Threats Associated with RDP:
  
   
  • Brute-Force Attacks: Attackers use automated tools to guess passwords and gain access to RDP sessions.
   
  • Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Interceptors can capture and manipulate RDP traffic between the client and server.
   
  • Credential Theft and Exploitation: Stolen credentials can be used to access RDP sessions, compromising the entire network.
  • And the list goes on...
• Example of the BlueKeep Vulnerability and Its Implications:
  
   
  • BlueKeep (CVE-2019-0708) is a critical vulnerability in older versions of RDP that allows remote code execution. It highlights the importance of keeping systems updated and patched.

Practical Steps to Secure RDP

‍Detailed Guide to Securing RDP Connections:

 
1. Install RDS-Tools Advanced Security and ease the steps below.
   
2. Implement strong authentication methods: Use two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.
 
3. Use firewalls and IP filtering: Restrict RDP access to known and trusted IP addresses.
 
4. Configure Network Level Authentication (NLA): Ensure NLA is enabled to require authentication before establishing a session.
 
5. Regularly update and patch systems: Keep all systems and software up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
 
6. Restrict RDP Access to relevant users only: Limit RDP access to users who genuinely need it for their work.
‍

Essential Best Practices to Secure and Enhance RDP Security:

 
• Strong password policies and two-factor authentication are perhaps the primary action for implementing good practice.
 
• Using TLS, VPNs and any secure tunnelling will add an extra layer of security by protecting the transit of RDP traffic.
 
• Implementing Network Level Authentication (NLA) is essential since it ensures users are authenticated before a session is actually established.
 
• Regular software updates and patch management remains paramount to cyber security in the IT world, not only regarding RDP.
 
• Firewall configuration and IP whitelisting contribute to controlling access, curbing inroads and allowing only trusted IP addresses to connect.
• ‍Test the above implementations yourself: Testing is a great way to avoid discovering a flaw or vulnerability once it is too late. Does it work and how well?

 

Leveraging RDS-Tools for Enhanced RDP Security

RDS-Tools has a simple product offerings focused on RDP security:

Apart from Advanced Security, which targets keeping servers and networks safe, you can also use Remote Support, for deployment, patching and troubleshooting, and Server Monitoring, to oversee your network. RDS-Tools provides robust cybersecurity as a standalone or as part of a global RDS IT solution. Together, RDS-Tools rapidly secure and optimize RDP usage.

In-Depth Look at Key Features of RDS-Advanced Security:

 

• Comprehensive Encryption for Secure Data Transmission: Ensures that all data transmitted via RDP is encrypted.
 
• IP Filtering to Restrict Access: Allows administrators to specify which IP addresses can access the RDP server. Whitelist or blacklist accordingly.
 
• Brute-Force Protection to Prevent Unauthorized Access Attempts: Automatically blocks IP addresses after a certain number of failed login attempts.
 
• Two-Factor Authentication for Secure Logins: Adds an extra layer of protection to user authentication.
 
• Auditing and Reporting for Monitoring and Compliance: Provides detailed logs and reports to monitor RDP activity and ensure compliance.

Real-World Implementation: Enhancing RDP Cyber Security with RDS-Tools:    

• Useful Applications for Remote Desktop Protocol:

There are at any user’s fingertips a variety of uses for RDP ranging across most fields of activity. Certain industries have wider possibilities for application of the technology while others will only use particular aspects. Nonetheless, remote connectivity opens a great many doors in almost any business or organisation.

• Benefits and Use Cases of RDP for Businesses:

RDP enhances productivity, provides flexibility for remote work, supports IT operations, and reduces the need for physical presence or powerful devices, thereby saving time and costs.

• Example Scenario Illustrating the Implementation of RDS-Advanced Security in a Business Environment:

A mid-sized company facing frequent brute-force attacks on their RDP servers implemented RDS-Advanced Security. By enabling two-factor authentication, IP filtering and brute-force protection, they significantly reduced unauthorized access attempts in moments.

• Challenges of RDP, Solutions Provided by RDS-Tools Advanced Security, and Benefits Realized:
   
  • Challenges include: frequent security breaches, high administrative overhead and compliance issues.
   
  • Solutions include the implementation, in a a few clicks, of comprehensive, robust, all-round security measures as provided by RDS-Advanced Security.
   
  • Benefits include: enhanced security, reduced risk of breaches, improved compliance and a lower administrative burden.

Conclusion on What is RDP in Cyber Security

Consequently, there is no denying the importance of securing RDP in cyber security. Moreover, it is critical to secure RDP in order to protect infrastructures of any size against cyber threats.

With the practical steps, best practice and tools discussed above, your infrastructure will be all set to resist attacks. Securing RDP is simple with the right tools and planning, leaving users free to enjoy the benefits of RDP.

Download and install Advanced Security in a jiffy to enhance their RDP security and ensure a safe remote working environment. In a few clicks you can be running our RDS-Tools “Swiss-knife” and benefitting from robust RDP security and more. While exploring the RDS-Tools offering, don’t hesitate to ask any questions or get details from our teams.