Restrict RDP logins to authorized non-administrator accounts, where possible.Whitelist connections to specific trusted hosts.Enable strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and account lockout policies to defend against brute-force attacks.Place any system with an open RDP port (3389) behind a firewall and require users to VPN in through the firewall.If RDP is needed for legitimate work functions, the MS-ISAC recommends following the below recommendations: RecommendationsĪfter evaluating your environment and conducting appropriate testing, use Group Policy to disable RDP. Compromised RDP credentials are also widely available for sale on dark web marketplaces. CTAs use tools, such as the Shodan search engine, to scan the Internet for open RDP ports and then use brute force password techniques to access vulnerable networks.

This popular attack vector allows CTAs to maintain a low profile, as they are utilizing a legitimate network service that provides them with the same functionality as any other remote user.

They are then in a position to potentially move laterally throughout a network, escalate privileges, access and exfiltrate sensitive information, harvest credentials, or deploy a wide variety of malware. Remote employees use RDP to log into the organization’s network to access email and files.Ĭyber threat actors (CTAs) use misconfigured RDP ports that are open to the Internet to gain network access. Network administrators use RDP to diagnose issues, login to servers, and perform other remote actions. It provides network access for a remote user over an encrypted channel. RDP is a Microsoft proprietary protocol that enables remote connections to other computers, typically over TCP port 3389. One such legitimate tool is Remote Desktop Protocol (RPD). An examination of the characteristics of these malware variants revealed that they often abuse legitimate tools or parts of applications on a system or network. These specific malware variants have traits allowing them to be highly effective against State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) government networks, consistently infecting more systems than other types of malware. The MS-ISAC observes specific malware variants consistently reaching The Top 10 Malware list.

Remote desktop administration tools