Secure Remote Desktop on Windows 10 [Windows RDP Security]

RDP is a must-have in the remote work world today because it allows for Reliable and fast access to remote systems across the globe. However, weak authentication, insecure ports, and outdated software can compromise Windows RDP security, making it vulnerable to cyberattacks.

You can secure Remote Desktop Windows 10 with strong passwords, NLA, MFA, and firewall settings, but a straightforward step can significantly enhance your overall security.

If you buy Windows RDP, you not only get a powerful server with admin access, but also essential security measures, such as strong encryption, firewall restrictions, and professional support, bringing you almost halfway to a secure remote desktop connection.

But in any case, given the growing security threats, never neglect security measures, as a moment of hesitation can lead to system intrusion, data loss, or financial damage. In the following, you will learn how to secure Windows RDP and make it an inaccessible target for hackers.

Is Remote Desktop Secure?

RDP is a Microsoft protocol that encrypts connections well, but without proper security measures against the following vulnerabilities, it can expose systems to serious risks due to its remote access nature.

Weak login credentials
Disabled Network Level Authentication (NLA)
No multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Outdated operating systems and software with security flaws
Unrestricted access to port 3389
No control over user access to Windows RDP
Human Error

Although workarounds exist for these vulnerabilities, the most reliable approach to ensure nearly 100% secure remote access is to buy Windows RDP, which provides a stable and isolated environment before implementing any security patches.

Windows RDP is a powerful and fast server with basic security configurations, securing your connections through DDoS Protection, advanced firewall, and data encryption. It also provides admin access to configure settings and install security tools as needed. With Windows RDP, you no longer need to worry about your remote connections' smoothness, security, and speed. Plus, a professional support team is there to ensure a higher-quality, secure remote desktop experience.

By combining RDP's inherent security, Windows RDP's default security, and the solutions below, you can create a fully secure and stable environment for your remote connections.

10 Most Effective Ways to Secure Remote Desktop Windows 10

The solutions below contain all the reliable and proven answers to the question of how to secure Windows RDP to ensure that your connection remains secure.

1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

The login screen is the first point of access to the remote system. The more complex and longer the password, the less likely unauthorized access and brute force attacks will be successful.

Whether using a single-user system or managing multiple users on Windows RDP, it's essential to establish a strong password security policy with the following principles:

The password should be at least 12 characters long.
Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for the password.
Avoid using phrases that are easy to guess, such as the company name
Use the manager password to generate and store complex passwords.
Use a unique password for each user account.
Require periodic password changes.

This way, you can strengthen your first line of defense against threats to maintain the high security you get from buying Windows RDP and ensure a secure connection to your systems.

2. Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA)

Network Level Authentication is a security solution provided by Microsoft that requires network-level authentication before establishing a remote desktop session.

Enabling this feature ensures secure remote desktop access, reduces resource consumption before sessions start, and protects against brute-force attacks, which enhances overall Windows RDP performance.

NLA is provided by default in Windows 10, but you must enable this feature via Group Policy:

Open the Group Policy Editor and Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Security
Double-click the following option and set it to Enabled:
Require user authentication for remote connections by using Network Level Authentication

From now on, a Remote Desktop session will only be established after the user has successfully authenticated via a network security protocol.

3. Consider Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

One of the essential computer security tips is to add extra layers of authentication to your login process, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access through login forms.

This approach combines what you know (password), what you have (security token), and what you are (biometrics) to create a multi-factor security layer that makes it much harder for attackers to gain access to your system.

A strong password is already set, but for the security token, you can use methods such as hardware tokens and one-time codes (OTPs). For the biometric step, fingerprint recognition and facial recognition are also standard authentication methods to secure RDP Windows 10.

When you buy Windows RDP from a reputable provider, you’ll receive comprehensive support to implement these authentication methods, ensuring your remote desktop connection is robustly secure and protected against potential threats.

4. Optimize Firewall Configuration

The firewall protects server traffic, and with properly configured rules, it can effectively block unauthorized access and attacks, such as DDoS or intrusions.

Some firewall rules that can help secure remote desktop connections include:

Blocking RDP connections from public IP addresses
Defining a list or range of allowed IPs to access the RDP port
Changing the default RDP port (3389)
Only allow RDP connections via internal VPN or SSH tunnel
Enable Rate Limiting to prevent Brute Force attacks
Using a blacklist for malicious IPs
Enable detailed logging to review failed RDP connection attempts

Windows has a built-in firewall, and if you open the Windows Firewall app and navigate to:

Windows Firewall with Advanced Security > Inbound Rules

You can access the list of rules, modify them as needed, or define new ones if necessary.

There are also third-party software and hardware firewalls that you can install on the server and take advantage of their more advanced features to secure remote desktop Windows 10.

A properly configured firewall on the RDP server is crucial, as constant internet connectivity makes it vulnerable to intrusions. It's best to buy Windows RDP from a reputable provider with advanced firewalls and pre-configured security settings.

5. Use VPN for External Access

Try to avoid connecting directly to your remote system over the Internet, as any exposed login prompt can be easily discovered and targeted by attackers.

The best solution to this problem is to use a VPN. VPN encrypts all the information exchanged between the user and the server, making the data untraceable in transit.

Also, using a properly installed and configured advanced VPN on both the server and local device provides extra security benefits:

Only users who have the VPN login information can log in to the network.
The RDP port is only open to users who have entered the VPN tunnel.
Access to the VPN is only allowed for specific IP addresses or specific geographical locations.
The possibility of attacks such as Brute Force or exploiting vulnerabilities is significantly reduced.
Only users with VPN credentials can access the network.
The RDP port is accessible only through the VPN tunnel.
VPN access is restricted to specific IPs or regions.
Brute-force and exploit attempts are significantly reduced.
MFA to Complex the login process (Some VPNs offer MFA)

Choosing the right VPN is just as crucial as selecting a reliable Windows RDP provider. So, choose a provider that provides the necessary capabilities and features to configure it in such a way that the VPN itself does not become a security hole.

6. Update your System Regularly

Old and outdated software is prone to vulnerabilities that may have been fixed in new versions. So, keep your system updated to block potential hacker access and secure RDP Windows 10.

Fortunately, built-in RDP tools, such as Remote Desktop and the firewall, are updated along with the operating system. Enabling automatic Windows updates makes this process easier.

However, other tools, such as VPNs, multi-factor authentication tools, and third-party firewalls, require manual updates. You should also update them regularly to reduce the risk of hackers exploiting these vulnerabilities.

Another advantage of buying Windows RDP is that automatic updates and the installation of new security features ensure the security of your server against new vulnerabilities.

7. Limit User Access

Be selective about who you allow access to RDP. In addition to using a firewall to allow specific IPs to log in to RDP, you should also take other measures regarding admin users and user privileges to secure remote desktop access.

A few of these measures that secure remote desktop Windows 10:

Limit the number of admin users.
Grant each user the minimum privileges required.
Remove admin users if Remote Desktop is not used for server management.
Remove the local Administrator account from RDP and add a technical group.
Group users and assign limited access based on their roles and needs.
Check user permissions regularly and update them as needed.
Disable or delete inactive users.

If you buy Windows RDP with admin access, you can perform these operations without any restrictions to put the server in a more secure state.

8. Alter Default RDP Port Number

RDP's default port (3389) is a common target for hackers, making it a potential security risk as attackers frequently exploit it.

You should change it to a non-standard, high-number port so that hackers have trouble detecting it and running automated scans on the RDP service.

To change this port number, just go to Regedit and navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp

Then find the PortNumber key and change it to the desired port number.

But don't forget to open the new port from the firewall so that it doesn't block traffic related to it. This is how you can make your Windows RDP undetectable as a target to secure remote desktop access.

9. Implement lockout policies

Brute force attacks are a trial-and-error operation to find Windows RDP credentials, and you should limit the number of attempts to secure remote desktop Windows 10 against these attacks.

To do this, simply follow the path below:
Start > Programs > Administrative Tools > Local Security Policy > Account Policies > Account Lockout Policies

Set the Values of the three options in this section according to your strategy.

Three invalid attempts followed by a 3-minute lockout duration is a reasonable approach.

10. Continuously Monitor and Audit Server Logs

Hacker attacks often leave traces that can be identified and addressed promptly by regularly reviewing server logs, RDP login records, and user activity.

So, to enhance the security of RDP Windows 10, try to:

Check user login and logout logs.
Track user activity during RDP sessions.
Monitor resource spikes, as they indicate potential DDoS attacks.
Review Security Event Logs for events like failed login attempts.
Review firewall logs for suspicious access or attacks.
Track access to sensitive files regularly.
Use monitoring and reporting tools.

If you buy Windows RDP, you can also benefit from advanced tools and features that make the monitoring and reporting process easier, helping you identify threats and attacks.

Common Windows RDP security risks

Understanding common security risks associated with RDP reinforces the basic knowledge needed to secure remote desktop Windows 10 and highlights its importance.

Brute force attacks

These attacks use automated tools to guess login credentials until a successful login is achieved repeatedly. Weak passwords, lack of account lockout policies, and not using MFA or NLA can all contribute to the success of these attacks.

Credential theft

In this type of attack, hackers steal a user's credentials through techniques such as keylogging, phishing, or malware, and then use them to gain unauthorized access, run malicious commands, and access sensitive data on the system.

Using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), and restricting RDP access are some steps you can take to secure RDP on Windows 10.

DDoS Attacks

These attacks overwhelm server resources by sending excessive requests, resulting in slow performance, increased server load, and disrupted access for legitimate users.

Implementing a lockout policy, enabling NLA, and restricting access to specific IPs are some of the necessary measures to prevent DDoS attacks. If you buy Windows RDP with DDoS Protection, you'll be better equipped to withstand larger and more sophisticated attacks.

BlueKeep and similar vulnerabilities

Many outdated Windows operating systems and software contain security flaws, such as BlueKeep, which can enable RDP attackers to remotely execute malicious code without requiring authentication.

To prevent this, you must keep all server software up to date, from the operating system to antivirus programs.

Insider threats

In addition to external threats, secure remote desktop connections must also address internal risks, such as privilege abuse, unauthorized data access, and malicious actions by authorized users. Timely detection is crucial.

Monitoring user activity, resource consumption, access to sensitive files, and user interactions with the system is crucial for maintaining server security against internal threats.

Note that by investing in a secure and reliable Windows RDP with built-in protections, you ensure better performance, enhanced security, and peace of mind against both internal and external threats.

Conclusion

With rising cyber threats, securing Remote Desktop access is vital for any user or business. Combining essential practices such as strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, firewall configuration, and continuous monitoring can significantly reduce vulnerabilities.

Choosing a secure Windows RDP with built-in protections offers a faster, safer, and more reliable remote desktop experience from the start.