With ransomware attacks escalating, securing Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is critical to protect your business. Below, we’ll explore how to secure RDP from ransomware, focusing on recent ransomware threats and how RDS-Tools sets you up to counter such attacks. We will then expand the discussion beyond ransomware to other cyber threats like spyware and cyber espionage. Kit yourself out to robustly shield your RDS infrastructure.

Why RDP is a High-Value Target for Ransomware Attacks

RDP allows administrators to remotely manage systems, which is convenient but also a prime target for attackers. Weak passwords, outdated software, and misconfigured settings make it vulnerable. To take an infamous example, the WannaCry ransomware attack in May 2017 exploited a vulnerability in Windows systems, spreading across 150+ countries and affecting industries globally. More recent ransomware like REvil (2020) and Conti (2021) demonstrate how these attacks have evolved, with methods such as extortion and data leaks.

How RDS-Tools helps: With advanced features like IP filtering, brute-force protection, and endpoint security integration, RDS-Tools can prevent unauthorized access and stall ransomware attacks like WannaCry, REvil, and Conti by both blocking malicious login attempts and ensuring only secure devices access your system.

How to Secure RDP from Ransomware: Best Practices to Shield Network and Data

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

One of the most effective ways to secure RDP from ransomware is by enabling multi-factor authentication. 2FA or MFA ensures that, even if login credentials are compromised, attackers cannot directly access the system since they lack an additional authentication factor such as a one-time password or biometric verification.

2. Use IP Whitelisting and VPNs

Limiting RDP access to specific IP addresses via whitelisting ensures that only trusted sources can connect. Combining this with strong encryption adds another authentication layer, reducing exposure to attacks like REvil and Conti. Similarly, Virtual Private Networks (VPN) encrypt traffic and can prove useful, for instance, when traveling if unsecure WiFi is the only connection medium available.

For detailed steps on implementing 2FA and IP filtering, check our RDS-Tools documentation.

3. Enable Network-Level Authentication (NLA)

Network-Level Authentication (NLA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to authenticate before establishing a full RDP session. It may be necessary to make it a network requirement so communications will not be downgraded to less secure choices. NLA prevents unauthorized users from exploiting vulnerabilities to initiate connections.

How to Better Shield RDP from Ransomware with RDS-Advanced Security

4. Implement RDS-Advanced Security Features

RDS-Advanced Security, part of our RDS-Tools suite, includes a comprehensive set of features designed to secure RDP from ransomware attacks:

• IP Filtering: Automatically block malicious IP addresses after a set number of failed login attempts, reducing exposure to brute-force attacks like those used by Conti.
• Brute-Force Protection: Continuously monitors login attempts and blocks attackers before they can access your systems.
• Session Timeout Settings: Automatically disconnect idle sessions to prevent unauthorized users from accessing unattended workstations.
• Endpoint Protection Integration: Ensures that only malware-free devices can access your RDP server, closing another common avenue for ransomware.

Firewall: Firewalls serve as a frontline defense against ransomware by limiting unauthorized RDP access and blocking malicious traffic. Explore firewall management solutions from RDS-Tools to counter such threats as Revil and WannaCry.

Endpoint Protection: Endpoint protection ensures that devices accessing your RDP environment are free from malware. RDS-Tools' security solutions incorporate this measure to prevent ransomware like WannaCry and REvil from infiltrating your systems.

These features offer robust protection against ransomware like WannaCry, REvil, and Conti. Discover how RDS-Advanced Security can enhance your defense by implementing RDS-Tools.

Another Type of Proactive Defense: Software Updates

5. Keep RDP Software Updated

Keeping your RDP software updated ensures that vulnerabilities like those exploited by WannaCry are patched, reducing the risk of attack. Conti and REvil also prey on outdated systems, so regular updates are critical. All RDS-Tools software come with our "Updates and Support" service subscription for that very reason.

Beyond Ransomware: Other Cybersecurity Threats to Consider

In addition to ransomware, other cybersecurity threats like Pegasus spyware and cyber espionage groups such as Sandworm and Fancy Bear pose serious risks to businesses. These groups are known for sophisticated attacks that go beyond encrypting files; they aim to steal sensitive data or disrupt critical infrastructure.

• Pegasus: Developed by the NSO Group, this spyware can infiltrate smartphones and monitor users without their knowledge.
• Sandworm: Linked to Russian military intelligence, this group targets critical infrastructure with attacks, including the 2017 NotPetya malware, a ransomware variant used to disrupt businesses globally.
• Fancy Bear: Another Russian group (APT28), Fancy Bear is linked to cyber espionage campaigns, including the notorious 2016 U.S. election hack.

How RDS-Tools helps: With real-time monitoring, session logging, and intrusion detection, RDS-Tools can detect and prevent suspicious activity, helping to stall and stop the espionage tactics used by groups like these. You can read more about how our solutions protect against cyber threats throughout the RDS-Tools website.

Securing RDP from Threats with RDS-Tools Solutions

RDS-Tools provides comprehensive protection against ransomware attacks and other cyber threats. Cyber protection also implies well-monitored networks and timely upkeep of your infrastructure. These are the remit of RDS-Server Monitoring and RDS-Remote Support. All three pieces of software and the "Updates and Support" services work together towards this goal. Our IP filtering, session management, and advanced firewall protections ensure that your RDP environment is secure from both ransomware, espionage tactics used by cyber espionage groups, and other hackers.

For more information on how to secure RDP from ransomware, explore our RDS-Tools Advanced Security Suite.