Read this article to learn about the ‘Methods To Secure RDP From Cyber Attacks’.
Multi-factor authentication has not been enabled on many RDP servers that are open to the internet (MFA). Using brute force, an attacker can quickly get into the workstation of a victim’s computer and take control of it over Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
The attacker will probably be able to obtain access to the vulnerable network of an organization once this first compromise has been made. These types of accounts are controlled at the domain level, which means that the same credentials are utilized for all devices. This can lead to a security breach.
These vulnerabilities can be exploited by even the most inexperienced attackers because they simply require account credentials to get access to a system. It doesn’t take much talent to carry out the attack, yet it can have a major effect on the network and the system. An institution’s server could be compromised, leading to the loss of remote access services.
Why do cybercriminals exploit RDP?
RDP vulnerabilities are a prominent, prevalent attack among cybercriminals for a variety of different causes. Perhaps one of the most common aims of a threat to the remote desktop protocol includes distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and ransomware transmission.
Types of cyber-attacks on RDP
Denial-of-Service (DDoS attacks)
To take down a target website or server, a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack sends an enormous amount of data to the target. Some of the most common ways for DDoS attacks include enormous bot networks and a technique known as DDoS amplification, which exploits a service that responds to requests with a considerably greater response than the originating request. To avoid detection, DDoS attackers will use these services to deliver traffic disguised as their target. Attackers send out a great deal of data, but the target site or server is overwhelmed with far more than the attacker sends.
In terms of DDoS amplification, RDP servers can have an amplification factor of 85,9. As a result, attackers can take advantage of these services to take down their intended targets by flooding them with traffic. Companies must put anti-DDoS security on Internet-facing devices due to the increased risk of the remote desktop protocol.
Ransomware delivery
After 2020, the remote desktop protocol has become the most popular method of delivering ransomware after the COVID-19 outbreak. To obtain access to a company’s network and install ransomware on high-value systems, ransomware attackers first use the remote desktop protocol to gain access to the system. If the customer fails to pay the demanded ransom, the threat actors will upload the victim’s files on so-called “shaming sites” to shame them into paying.
Because of the simplicity with which ransomware can be exploited, several ransomware groups have decided to employ it as their primary method of attack.
Methods To Secure RDP From Cyber Attacks
The security of a company is endangered significantly by RDP. RDP security can be achieved in a variety of ways, each with varying degrees of effectiveness and usefulness.
The Least Effective: Internet Protocol (IP) based Access Lists
RDP security could be improved by restricting the number of RDP solutions that can be used. Access control lists (ACLs) that only allow remote desktop protocol connections from specified IP addresses could do this.
Even while this could theoretically work, there are several drawbacks, such as:
Manageability:
To regulate ACLs, an organization must determine which IP addresses are permitted and which are not. This list can change regularly if employees work from multiple places or utilize dynamically allocated IP addresses.
This list can change regularly if employees work from multiple places or utilize dynamically allocated IP addresses.
Perimeter-focus:
When it comes to remote desktop protocol safety, this strategy aims at preventing an attacker from getting access to the company’s network in the first place. Nevertheless, once an attacker has gained access to the network, they will be able to move freely around it.
Nevertheless, once an attacker has gained access to the network, they will be able to move freely around it.
IP-dependent access management:
Using IP-based access management, which restricts remote desktop protocol access to certain devices, provides nothing to safeguard from threats from those machines. Remote desktop protocol connections to the company network would be unaffected by malware on a staff’s device.
Efficient: Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are a regularly utilized remote-access solution. They are designed to offer an encrypted tunnel for network communication between a distant user and the company network. VPNs also support safety solutions such as MFA that assist in limiting the potential of compromised accounts.
Nevertheless, while VPNs are a regularly used solution and a defense-in-depth safety precaution, they have weaknesses and are routinely targeted by cyber threat entities aiming to implant malware. VPN customers must acknowledge their inherent flaws and upload safety patch upgrades when supplied.
This means that implementing VPN equipment may generate extra vulnerabilities in an organization’s network. In reality, VPN threats are among the most regularly targeted by cyber-threat groups and are close behind remote desktop protocol as ransomware delivery channels.
Most Effective: Virtual Desktop Solution
An IP-based ACL or a VPN focuses solely on safeguarding a company’s network’s first point of entry. To protect remote work, it is important to think about both the method of entry and the systems that staff or an attacker can reach.
Along with a virtual desktop solution, a business may adopt MFA to manage access and get greater visibility and control over remote endpoints and the information that they contain. It is easier to integrate safe remote access because of this enhanced visibility and control of the system.
CONCLUSION
After reading this article, you might have got good knowledge about, ‘Methods To Secure RDP From Cyber Attacks’. You can also read this article to learn about, ‘what is a Shared RDP? Benefits of a Shared RDP.’
Cybercriminals can abuse RDP-enabled organizations with a wide range of vulnerabilities. Remote work security assessments can help you uncover weak points in your network’s defenses and provide you with advice on how to make it more secure.
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You can also read this article to learn about, how to secure your RDP from cyber attacks.
