Remote Desktop Protocol
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that enables users to connect to another computer over a network connection. It provides a graphical interface to the user for remote access. RDP is commonly used for remote administration and remote technical support.
What is Remote Desktop Protocol
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft, which provides a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer over a network connection. The user employs RDP client software for this purpose, while the other computer must run RDP server software. RDP is widely used in enterprise environments for remote administration and technical support.
RDP operates over port 3389 and allows users to access the desktop of a remote machine as if they were sitting right in front of it. This includes the ability to run applications, manage files, and perform administrative tasks. The protocol supports various features such as encryption, smart card authentication, and bandwidth reduction techniques to optimize performance over slower connections.
Originally introduced with Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server Edition, RDP has evolved significantly over the years. It is now an integral part of Windows operating systems and is also available for other platforms, including macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. The protocol's flexibility and ease of use make it a popular choice for remote work, IT support, and server management.
Security risk
If port 3389 is open and the RDP service is running, it can be a significant security risk. Unauthorized access can lead to data breaches, malware installation, and other malicious activities. It is crucial to secure RDP with strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and network-level authentication to mitigate these risks.
In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 3389. Use StackChanges to monitor if the Remote Desktop Protocol port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 3389 is open again.