What is a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Solution?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a piece of software that is native to Windows that allows users to connect to a Windows computer from a remote location and access that desktop from an alternative device. Businesses can utilize RDP to facilitate remote working, giving their employees a direct method of connecting to local devices.

How Does RDP Work?

RDP works by creating a connection between a remote user device and a host machine.

• The remote user runs the RDP software, which then connects to the host.
• Whenever the user enters something on their keyboard or moves their mouse, those inputs are securely transmitted to the host machine, allowing them to operate it as if they were physically present.

To ensure this connection is as secure as possible and prevent hijacking, RDP uses encryption to create private transmission tunnels between the devices.

Microsoft’s RDP most commonly uses TCP port 3389 to maintain a secure connection.

Benefits of Using RDP

As a native piece of Microsoft software, users all around the globe already have access to RDP.

This highly accessible system has a number of benefits for companies, especially those that want to engage in hybrid working structures:

• Enables Easy Remote Access : Remote Desktop Protocol is an extremely effective way of enabling remote working, as employees from across the globe can connect remotely and work from local systems in your company. Especially if your company uses resource-intensive programs or deals with sensitive data, then the ability to access local systems provides a great deal of efficiency and security.
• Streamlines Employee Onboarding: IT teams can rapidly create new user accounts and connect them to local devices, making the onboarding of a new employee as easy as possible. IT teams don’t have to customize and distribute individual devices, instead relying on RDP to connect people to pre-customized local computers.
• Reduces IT Costs: Remote Desktop Protocol doesn’t require any additional hardware to run. Instead of paying for more computers or connection hardware, RDP offers a highly accessible form of software to connect remote workers to local sites. This accessibility translates to time and money savings for your IT team.
• Ensures Secure Data Access: When dealing with sensitive data, the encrypted pathways that RDP offers reduce the likelihood of data hijacking.

Challenges Associated with RDP

Although RDP has a number of benefits for businesses, this technology still presents a number of challenges that they will have to overcome:

• Network-Dependent Latency Issues: Depending on the network bandwidth of the device that an individual is using, they could experience some lag when using a remote desktop protocol.
• Cybersecurity Risks: RDP could be the target of brute force attacks that attempt to break into a connection and siphon data from between the local device and a user.
• Access Risks: If businesses don’t take the time to configure their access controls and implement zero-trust access, then they could experience malicious attempts to break into their systems and exfiltrate valuable company data.

Many of these challenges are solved by following the best security practices when using a remote access and control platform.

RDP vs. Alternatives

While Windows’ Remote Desktop Protocol is the most well-known form of remote access solution, there are now a number of alternative options for businesses to choose from. Although the base functionality of these platforms is similar, some options prioritize other factors like security more than Remote Desktop Protocol.

Here are some alternatives to RDP:

• Harmony SASE with Native RDP Support: Harmony SASE offers agentless remote desktop access using both web-based and native RDP clients. Businesses can connect through built-in RDP apps without the need to configure their VPNs or install any additional software.
• TeamViewer: TeamViewer is another popular remote access and control platform that was released back in 2005. TeamViewer offers a non-commercial license that is completely free to use. For individuals who are looking to access their computers while away from home, TeamViewer is a great option.
• LogMeIn: LogMeIn is a simplified remote connection tool that works well for less intensive tasks and has flexible plans for users and businesses to choose from. While LogMeIn is a cheaper option than other choices, this comes with limited functionality.

Supported Operating Systems for RDP

The Windows’ Remote Desktop Protocol was expressly designed with Windows in mind, meaning that the supported operating systems all revolve around that system. Currently, Windows supports the following operating systems, meaning businesses looking for a remote connectivity solution for other operating systems can make use of alternative tools.

Best Practices for Securing RDP

When improving the security of RDP and similar remote access tools, there are several best practices that businesses should follow:

• Integrate Zero-Trust Security Models: Integrating additional security technology like zero-trust security models and multi-factor authentication can help to enhance the security of RDP tools.
• Update RDP When Available: It is essential that businesses update to the most recent version of RDP software when it comes available, as this will ensure any known vulnerabilities are patched out.
• Leverage Endpoint Threat Detection: Combine RDP with endpoint security monitoring to detect any anomalous behavior and isolate it before a malicious actor has the opportunity to create a cyber threat.

Remote Desktop Protocol FAQs

What is the default RDP Port?

The Default RDP Port to which the server listens is 3389 (TCP) and 3389 (UDP). As it is widely known, it is recommended to change the RDP Port to avoid brute force attacks.

What is an RDP Manager?

RDP Manager, RDPMan, or Remote Desktop Connection Manager is a tool used by companies who wish to more easily manage their multiple remote desktops. With RDPMan it’s possible to visualize and consolidate RDP connections in a single window – a useful idea for IT.

What’s the difference between Remote Desktop Protocol 7.1 and 8.0?

The 8.0 version of RDP is newer and comes with some extra features such as Adaptive Graphics for better rendering, the ability to autonomously select either TCP or UDP as the transport protocol, USB redirection, DirectX support and other upgrades.

Is RDP a VPN? (RDP vs VPN performance/VPN security)

RDP vs VPN performance, or RDP vs VPN security, are ideas that are irrelevant because these products complement one another and should be used in tandem. VPNs do encrypt traffic like RDP but are used to gain access to entire networks and not single machines/desktops.

Which Operating Systems are Supported by RDP?

RDP can be used from any operating system, desktop or mobile: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux. Other third-party vendors offer RDP clients that fit into these operating systems as well.

What is the Difference Between RDP and RDC?

RDP is Remote Desktop Protocol, which is a broad term used to describe the idea that the program has a purpose to support remote desktops, while RDC is the actual name of the client that is installed on the host machine (PC or server), allowing devices to connect to it.