Enhancing RDP with Multi Factor Authentication

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Remote Desktop Protocol is an effective way for remote work, which enables users to connect to computers or/and servers from remote locations. But it can also be the target of remote attacks by unwanted agents. How can you avoid such attacks and enhance your remote desktop protocol’s security and safety? That is the very question we are going to talk about in this article, we will cover the Whats and Whys of Remote Desktop protocol and will offer Multi-Factor Authentication as a way to enhance your security protocol.

What is Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)?

Remote desktop protocol is the most commonly used protocol for managing remote desktops surpassing protocols such as Independent Computing Architecture (ICA), and virtual network computing (VNC). Remote desktop access is mostly used for accessing desktops, servers, and applications, and is frequently employed for remote work, troubleshooting, and system administration. 

MonoVM's best RDP admin is based on Microsoft Windows Remote Desktop Services and the latest generation of Intel CPU.

Remote Desktop Protocol also possesses features such as remote access, encrypted communication, multimedia redirection, clipboard and printer sharing, and multiple sessions.

You can also Discover the key differences between VPS and RDP. Learn which is best for your needs in 2024. 

Why do we need to protect our Remote Desktop Protocol?

You need to secure your Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to protect your systems from unauthorized access, data theft, and potential ransomware attacks. RDP, while highly convenient for remote access, also serves as a gateway for attackers to infiltrate systems. One common method of attack is the brute force attack, where an attacker uses programs to flood the server with numerous username and password combinations in an attempt to gain access.

If an attacker successfully gains control of your remote connection, the consequences can be severe. From compromising your system’s integrity to affecting the remote session itself, the impact can be devastating. Two significant risks include ransomware attacks, where malicious software encrypts your data until a ransom is paid, and full access control breaches, where attackers gain unauthorized entry to sensitive information, potentially leading to data theft or black market distribution.

Ransomware attacks:

by gaining access to your software, malicious agents will be able to install software designed for ransom. The way this software works is by encrypting files and asking for payment (Ransom) to release them. If you don’t secure your Remote Desktop Protocol properly you can easily be the subject of these attacks.

Full access control:

If the attack is more targeted at your server, brand, or company, the attacker will be able to access important and sensitive information by gaining full access control of your system. This data can also be sold on the black market throughout the World Wide Web, creating problems for you, your brands, and consumers alike.

How can you enhance the security of your Remote Desktop Protocol?

1. Choosing a secure RDP provider: 

Monovm’s RDP service ensures a seamless, secure remote desktop experience. Powered by robust hardware, it offers high-speed performance, optimal security, and compatibility with various operating systems for a versatile virtual workspace. Monovm offers a high-quality cheap RDP admin that uses Windows helping it to provide real dedicated resources chosen by you.  MonoVM RDP servers are powered by Intel E5 CPUs. You will have access to your Remote Desktop software with unlimited bandwidth and uninterrupted access to the pre-installed software. This service is offered with pre-configured specifications and optimum options tailored to meet your needs and preferences. MoonVM also supports different payment methods to ease your experience in acquiring your very own RDP. 

2. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for RDP

First things first you must choose a strong and secure password. A password that’s not easily guessed or commonly used. But that is not enough, the next step is to activate Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) for your remote desktop protocol.

What is Multi-Factor authentication?

Multi-factor authentication or two-step verification is a tool many websites and establishments use to offer a more secure experience to their users and consumers. Multi-factor authentication requires you to provide two or more factors to gain access to your remote desktop protocol. These methods could be the original password, a one-time use digit that will be sent to you as a text each time you want to log in, and/or a temporary code that will be provided to you by authentication apps such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft authenticator which are designed and created for this purpose.

How to activate your Multi-Factor authentication?

Depending on your service provider you will be able to find it easily in the setting/security section of your dashboard. 

Text message:

To activate your second factor to be a text message sent to you by your provider, you will need to introduce a number and verify it as yours, and from that point, you would have to have access to the said number whenever you want to log in to your RDP. This is an easy enough task to be done but is not recommended as the most secure and viable option and might not be offered by all service providers.

Using an authenticator app (Google Authenticator Guide):

The more reliable, secure, and convenient way to secure your Remote Desktop protocol via Multi-Factor Authentication is by using an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator. Google authenticator is not complicated to use, and all varieties of users trust it. Here is a short step-by-step guide on how to use Google authenticator: 

Step One: Download and install Google Authenticator from a reliable and secure source such as Google Play.

Step Two: Go to the required section of your dashboard (Setting/Security), where you will find a QR code or a setup key for Authenticator apps.

Step Three: Open Google Authenticator and click on the Add (+) at the bottom right.

Step Four: Choose the method of your input.

Step Five: Log in to your Google account within the app and get a backup of your Authenticator codes For safe measures.

Additional Methods of Multi-Factor Authentication 

Although using an authenticator app is one of the most popular and effective methods of securing a Remote Desktop Protocol, there are some additional Multi-factor authentication methods you can use to have greater flexibility and safety. Some of these methods will be briefly mentioned here.

Biometric Authentication: This method uses physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition to verify your identity. Adding a unique extra layer of protection.

Hardware Tokens: These are physical devices that generate a one-time code or use near-field communication (NFC) to authenticate users.

Email-Based Authentication: In this method, a one-time code is sent to your registered email address for each login attempt.

3. Changing the default port

Remote Desktop Protocols usually have a default port which they run on and that makes them vulnerable since attackers often scan the internet for these to find open RDP ports. By changing the RDP port you will avoid common attackers and unwanted agents. The ability to change the default port is an essential security measure for reducing unauthorized access risks by making the service less discoverable to potential attackers. If you don’t know how to change your RDP port, fear not for you can read how to do it right here!

Conclusion

With today's digital world - remote work and access increasing by the day - the need for enhancing RDP security has never been so serious. MFA implementation gives one an important additional layer of protection from unauthorized access or an attack-like feature of brute force or ransomware. By adding strong passwords to other security measures such as MFA, changing the default ports, and choosing a good service provider, the risk of malicious intrusion could be brought to a minimum. RDP security goes along with protecting your data and ensuring that the integrity of your whole system remains intact. Be proactive now, take all the steps for a safer and more secure remote desktop.