The Problem with Native RDP
RDP was not designed with today’s threat landscape in mind. Organizations must evolve by deploying remote access solutions to include built-in security and smart architecture. RDP was never designed to face the WWW, therefore, when improperly configured or left exposed, RDP can open the door to:
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Brute-force login attempts
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Credential theft and session hijacking
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Ransomware infiltration
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Compliance violations
(e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001)
Even when protected by VPNs or firewalls, RDP is still vulnerable unless bolstered by proper access controls and proactive security measures. And the growing complexity of hybrid IT environments only increases the risk.
What Defines a Secure RDP Alternative?
A truly secure RDP alternative needs to go beyond simply “encrypting” a connection. It should offer:
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Web-based access with no exposed RDP ports
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Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
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Role-based access controls
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Geo-restrictions and time-based login rules
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Session monitoring and logging
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Seamless user experience across devices
How to Make a True Secure RDP Alternative
An effective secure RDP alternative should:
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Prevent direct RDP exposure
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Support for browser-based access (no VPN or RDP client required)
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Offer advanced threat detection and mitigation
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Support multi-user environments
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Meet compliance requirements through audit logging and access controls
RDS-Tools
delivers this through a stack of security locks and server protection so
Advanced Security
solution is both fully compatible and scalable with Microsoft RDS.
The good news? With RDS-Tools, you need not replace your infrastructure. You can upgrade your existing Windows RDS setup into a secure, flexible access platform. Is it the only product out there to achieve such complete protection? We look at a few alternatives.
Secure RDP Alternatives
- Some More Ideas
Below are four more secure RDP alternatives, complementary solutions similar to RDS Tools. Indeed, these are capable of
enhancing and protecting
Microsoft RDP environments so existing RDS infrastructures will remain secure, optimised and hardened.
1. Duo Security (by Cisco)
Positioning:
Leading MFA and zero-trust access control for RDP and enterprise environments.
Overview:
Duo adds strong multi-factor authentication to remote desktop sessions and internal apps. It is widely trusted in enterprise settings and integrates smoothly with RDP, RD Gateway and Active Directory.
Key Features:
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Two-factor authentication for Windows logins (including RDP)
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Policy-based access (based on location, device health, time)
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Device trust and risk-based access decisions
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Easy integration with Windows Server and RDS environments
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Cloud-based dashboard for auditing and user management
Ideal for:
Businesses that want to strengthen RDP sessions with minimal disruption and gain a foothold in zero-trust architecture.
2. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus
Positioning:
Secure remote support and RDP session management with auditing.
Overview:
This tool focuses on secure, IT-admin-driven RDP session control. It includes auditing, remote desktop sharing, system monitoring and remote file transfer, within a secure interface with user accountability.
Key Features:
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Secure, logged RDP sessions from a central dashboard
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Role-based access to remote systems
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Screen recording and audit logs
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Remote system tools for diagnostics and maintenance
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Supports MFA and IP restrictions
Ideal for:
IT support teams or MSPs that need to centrally manage and secure RDP access without replacing it.
3. Nerdio Manager for MSP / Enterprise
Positioning:
RDS and Azure Virtual Desktop automation and optimisation platform.
Overview:
Nerdio automates deployment, management, and optimisation of RDS and AVD environments. It doesn’t replace RDP. In fact, it ensures your RDP-based infrastructure stays secure, updated and cost-effective.
Key Features:
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Auto-scaling of RDS infrastructure based on usage
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Patch management and image updates
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Cost optimisation for Azure and on-prem deployments
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Role-based access with granular control
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Security configurations for Microsoft environments
Ideal for:
Enterprises or MSPs running RDS or AVD who want to streamline management and improve security without overhauling infrastructure.
4. Heimdal Threat Prevention – Endpoint DNS Filtering & RDP Protection
Positioning:
RDP access control + endpoint-level threat detection.
Overview:
Heimdal is a cybersecurity suite that includes specific tools to protect RDP from exploitation and unauthorised access. It works on the DNS and endpoint level, blocking suspicious connections before they are established.
Key Features:
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DNS-based traffic filtering to prevent command-and-control callbacks
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Brute-force attack prevention for RDP
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IP whitelisting and geo-fencing
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Integration with patch management and vulnerability scanning
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Endpoint telemetry for compliance reporting
Ideal for:
Businesses needing endpoint and network-level RDP defence without changing user workflows.
Comparison with RDS-Tools Advanced Security:
Summary:
These products complement your existing RDS setup by adding layers of application server security, infrastructure support and maintenance, and network performance management.
How RDS-Tools Builds a Secure Remote Access Stack
Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, RDS-Tools provides a
modular toolkit
to transform traditional
RDS Remote Support - Affordable, Encrypted Screen Control
RDS Remote Support offers a
lightweight and secure way for IT teams to connect to remote user sessions instantly
without exposing the full RDP stack. It is an ideal tool for helpdesk and support teams needing full control without full infrastructure risk.
Key Security and Usability Features Include:
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Secure agent-based connection with no open inbound ports
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Full screen control and live support features
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Lightweight installer for quick deployment
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SSL/TLS encryption
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Works across NAT and firewalls without VPN
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Session initiation with user permission
RDS Remote Support enables you to
securely assist remote users
while keeping your RDS environment isolated and protected.
RDS Advanced Security - Comprehensive Protection for Remote Access
Advanced Security
provides layered protection against the most common attack vectors on RDP environments. It is automated, intelligent and easy to manage.
Key Features Include:
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Brute-force Attack Blocker:
Instantly stops repeated login failures from suspicious IPs
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Geo-IP Filtering:
Restrict access based on country or region
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Working Hours Access Control:
Block logins outside predefined schedules
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One-Click RDP Port Protection:
Hide RDP ports to reduce surface area
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Strengthens login security with an extra layer
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Real-time Display and Intuitive Dashboard:
Real-time monitoring, logs and threat reports
Advanced Security is lightweight, installs in minutes, and integrates directly into your existing Windows environment.
RDS Server Monitoring - The Core for Remote Access Deployment
RDS Server enables secure multi-user Windows environments without the cost and complexity of Citrix or full VDI systems. It is ideal for SMBs looking for scalable, remote desktop infrastructure made even more secure when combined with Remote Support and Advanced Security.
Serving Cyber Security Across Industries
Whether you run a small business, IT service provision or organisation IT team, RDS-Tools helps:
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Secure remote desktops
with no open ports;
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Comply with regulations
using detailed logs and access control;
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Protect users and data
with multi-layered threat defense
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Simplify deployment and reduce costs
without sacrificing features.
And all this without expensive licenses or complex infrastructure.
Conclusion: Make 2025 the Year You Upgrade to a Secure RDP Alternative
The risks of using unprotected RDP are well documented, and with attack volume only increasing, the way we use it must change.
Therefore, the time to act is now: with
RDS-Tools
you don’t have to choose between security and simplicity, you get both.
RDS-Tools provides IT teams the freedom to
enhance, protect and simplify
your remote access infrastructure, while cutting
the risk of exposed protocols or expensive licensing. By combining
RDS Remote Support
,
Advanced Security
and
RDS Server Monitoring
, you gain a comprehensive, secure RDP alternative purpose-built for modern business needs.
Discover first hand a powerful suite of tools which enhances security, utilisation and control, without replacing your entire infrastructure.
RDS Remote Support Free Trial
Cost-effective Attended and Unattended Remote Assistance from/to macOS and Windows PCs.