{"id":59573,"date":"2018-09-13T15:44:07","date_gmt":"2018-09-13T20:44:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/?p=59573"},"modified":"2018-09-14T10:42:14","modified_gmt":"2018-09-14T15:42:14","slug":"rdp-attacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/rdp-attacks\/","title":{"rendered":"RDP Attacks – What they are and how you can stay protected"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is an RDP Attack?<\/h3>\n

RDP, or Remote Desktop Protocol, is a port on devices that allow for remote access to be gained by anyone who has the appropriate credentials.\u00a0 An RDP attack means an unauthorized person or entity is accessing the network through the device’s RDP ports.\u00a0 The attack may be an actual person using brute force to hack into the RDP port, or it could be an automated technology, also using brute force to access the RDP port.\u00a0 Brute force is a term used when someone, or something, is guessing user credentials over and over again until they are able to gain access.<\/p>\n

How Common Are They?<\/h4>\n

Over the last year, RDP attacks have increased in popularity for one major reason.\u00a0 They carry a significant payday if they are able to be executed.\u00a0 Typically the execution process takes a bit longer and is more labor-intensive than alternative hacking methods, but the end result is worth it to the cyber criminals.\u00a0 For instance, LabCorps<\/a>, a major American labs facility hit with ransomware that executed through an RDP attack earlier this summer.\u00a0 The ransomware attack infected thousands of PCs and almost 2,000 servers.<\/p>\n

Also, the malware options are limitless when it comes to an RDP attack.\u00a0 Once the hacker has access, they install spyware, keyloggers, cryptojacking\u00a0software, worms, ransomware, and any other form of malware they’d like.<\/p>\n

Staying Protected<\/h4>\n

The best way to prevent an RDP attack is to disable the remote access to your device.\u00a0 Home users can do this by following the instructions below:<\/p>\n