How To Protect RDP From Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a massive threat, and like all types of cybercrime, it’s always evolving. Consequently, you must learn what vulnerabilities are targeted to stay safe. Remote desktop protocol (RDP) is one of the most significant of those weaknesses today.

What Is RDP?

RDP is a tool that lets you control a computer remotely. After setting it up on two devices, you can then use the second one to access and use the first as if you were sitting right in front of it.

This protocol has been around for decades but didn’t rise to prominence until recently. RDP is common across businesses now that roughly half of all Americans can work at least part time from home. Employees can keep their work computers in the office but use them from their home devices through RDP. 

How Cybercriminals Target RDP

As convenient as RDP is, it carries significant cybersecurity risks. Attackers who access it can set it up to control your computer from their device. It should be no surprise that RDP compromise is among the most common attack vectors for ransomware.

Cybercriminals can target RDP in a few ways. The most straightforward is using brute force or stolen credentials to log into it, as RDP only requires a username and password.

Another common method is to intercept RDP communications, which can be easy because this protocol almost always uses the same port. Once attackers know which you’re using, they can hijack the connection through an on-path attack to gain sensitive information like your login details.

Once inside your computer’s RDP, criminals can install ransomware remotely. They can use it to download the malware directly or deactivate other security features to install it through another vector later.

How To Protect RDP Against Ransomware

These vulnerabilities are concerning, especially given rising remote work rates. Thankfully, protection is possible. Here’s how you can secure your RDP against ransomware attacks.

Disable Unnecessary Features

The first step in securing RDP is to turn off any unneeded features. If you never use this protocol, it’s safest to deactivate RDP altogether.

If you use RDP, there are several optional features to consider switching off. Clipboard sharing is one such option, as it leaves hackers with more attack vectors. You should also set sessions to disconnect automatically after a period of inactivity.

Use Strong Password Management

Password management is another crucial part of RDP security. Compromised credentials are the No. 1 cause of data breaches and the easiest way into RDP, so use strong, unique passwords on these accounts. You should also require employees to regularly change their passwords to help minimize the damage should any accounts be breached.

Similarly, you should enable multifactor authentication (MFA). RDP doesn’t require it by default, so turning it on provides a critical extra layer of security.

Limit RDP Logins

RDP also has several restrictions you should consider. The most important is to limit the number of login attempts, as this stops brute-force attacks. You should also use a firewall to restrict RDP access to just your devices’ IP addresses.

You can also require users to connect to a virtual private network (VPN) before using RDP. VPNs encrypt any form of device communication, so this restriction stops criminals lying in wait at specific ports.

Keep Everything up to Date

Remember to update RDP frequently. Security researchers find dozens of zero-day exploits annually, so patches and additions are frequent and critical. Regular updates ensure you always have the latest protections against these emerging threats.

As with any other software, you should also use a reliable anti-malware solution to protect RDP. Be sure to keep this up to date.

Security Starts With Awareness

RDP ransomware attacks may not make as many headlines as other types of cybercrime, but they’re a prominent and dangerous threat. To defend against them, you first must learn about them. Once you’re aware of these attacks and how they work, you can protect yourself and your team from ransomware’s favorite attack vector.