For freelancers, IT professionals, etc., remote desktop connections are like breath-taking relief to stay connected anywhere – as you sit and need some files from your office computer. As you are sitting right at the desk, whether working from a cozy place or just a cafe, remote desktop tools make it feel better. It should be noted that security is essential when dealing with remote connections, as Uncle Ben once famously said: getElementsByTagName( ‘script’ )[ 0 ];s.parentNode.insertBefore( originJS, s );})( document, window );
You do not want to be that other guy who wrote his password on a Post-it note in front of the computer (witnessed by all). Thus, we present The Ultimate Checklist for Secure Remote Desktop Connections as your data should not be left out in the open like a Wi-Fi hotspot at Starbucks.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Stop the bleeding — passwords. All your pet names and favorite football teams won’t go here. Your password is your first line of defense so make it strong and difficult for others to guess. Passwords are stronger based on how difficult they would be for someone to guess (or hack).
Tips:
- A mix of upper-case as well as lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters (yes, those weird symbols you always tend to forget).
- Do not use information that is easy for someone to guess, such as your birthday or your dog’s name.
So here is to password manager will save you from remembering all those complex passwords.
Fun Fact: If your password is “123456” or some other equally simple s#@t, you should just leave the door unlocked with a sign saying “Welcome”).
Turn 2FA on
Two-factor authentication (2FA) and going even further with two-step verification. Even if someone obtains access to your password, they would also need the second factor as well.
How 2FA Works:
- What you know: Your password
- Enabled some features in Spring Security OTP enabled with something you have (A phone, app, or an authentication code sent to you via email)
Turning on 2FA is like saying, “Yeah hacker you might know my password but b*tch this shit ain’t free”.
- — 2FA is just like a club bouncer who wants your ID. They are not allowing some randoms to just waltz in, and neither should your remote desktop connection.
Secure Your Connections by Using VPNs
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the equivalent of hiding your internet connection in an underground lair. This secures your data, which means it becomes damn near IMPOSSIBLE to listen in on you… especially that time when “Jane from down the street” hacks into public Wi-Fi just around the corner while sipping her latte.
Why You Need a VPN:
- It hides your IP address.
- This automatically encrypts your data, so that if someone does manage to intercept it then they won’t be able to read anything.
- This is especially useful when you are remote working in public places such as cafes, hotels, or airports.
Interesting Fact: Well, when you use the “free Wi-Fi” network and expect some miracles, it’s like jumping on a train without buying a ticket. While you can do it, there is a risk of losing your data.
Always Keep Your Software Updated
One of the most frequently seen ways in which cybercriminals infiltrate your system is by exploiting security flaws in unpatched software. Your remote desktop software, your operating system, and any other security tools you are using.
How to Stay Safe:
- Mobile: Turn on automatic updates in your smartphone, tablet; OS, and also for remote desktop software.
- Alternatively, visit your regular software to manually check for updates (e.g., an antivirus program or firewall).
Funny Fact: Not patching is like leaving all the windows wide open in your house during a thunderstorm. You may get lucky and nothing will happen, but why risk it?
Use Firewalls
Think of firewalls as the rent-a-cops for the internet. They prevent unauthorized access to your computer and network but allow legitimate traffic. It is like keeping your house door (the front one) open and hoping no burglar comes from there.
Firewalls — When to Use Them Efficiently and How?
- Turn on your device’s native firewall: Most operating systems include a built-in firewall that is enabled by default, but double-check to ensure it is indeed running.
- Use a third-party firewall: If you want to be even safer, using something like ZoneAlarm or Comodo will give you one more line of defense.
Firewalls are like a bouncer, they won’t let anybody in without ID. The SG102 is essentially the personal bodyguard of your computer.
Restrict Access and Permissions
You also do not always want each user that connects to have admin-level access. Note who has access to your devices, and don’t just hand over keys as needed.
How to Control Access:
- Set up additional user accounts for the people who need to get online.
- Grant permissions according to the job they need to execute. For example, you may not want to have a team member be able to delete files, only edit them.
The internet equivalent of letting someone borrow a cup of sugar. Funny Fact: Letting someone FULL stroke your computer for light clean up is like giving them full-set THE HOUSE KEYS to “borrow” some sugar. It depends on trust, but not that very immense.
Monitor Remote Sessions
Who can connect to your computer and when? There are a few that offer session logs to help you monitor who is accessing your system and what they may be doing.
What to Look For:
- Who Logged In, and When — Access Logs
- Idle sessions: Log out any session inactive for some time.
- Weird activity: If it appears that someone or something else is using your account, then log out immediately.
Btw: It is somewhat creepy knowing exactly what went on in their remote sessions — it feels like watching security camera footage of your house. You know, so no one is trying to steal your fancy coffee maker.
Always use encrypted RDP connections.
Always use encrypted connections! If you have a remote desktop tool that provides an encrypted connection – make sure to always use it! This will make sure that all the data moving between your devices is safe and cannot be intercepted by any hacker.
How to Ensure Encryption:
- Use remote desktop tools that provide end-to-end encryption out of the box (like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or Chrome Remote Desktop).
- Make sure that your connection settings are correct (in settings, you need to have the encryption turned on by default for all sessions) or else you start starting a session.
Encryption is like magic: if there were some superhero using encryption, we would have seen him putting up an invisible force field around your data (your files) to keep the evil out.
FAQs
Q1: How to Safely Secure The Remote Desktop Connection?
Like with anything, the best way to keep your remote desktop connection safe is a combination of strong passwords and 2-factor authentication (where supported), along with a VPN that you have configured properly on all clients accessing this network resource; Add regular software updates as well.
Q2: Are remote desktop tools safe to use over public WiFi?
Public Wi-Fi puts your data at risk, but using a VPN while on public Wi-Fi networks secures the connection and keeps all your data safer.
Q3: How frequently should I update my Software?
Keep your software up to date. If possible, get updates as soon as they are available and install them so you’re not vulnerable.
Q4: How many devices can I use remote desktop tools on?
Indeed, the vast majority of remote desktop tools let you connect with various gadgets simultaneously, whether it be a work desk or PC and even mobile.
Q5: What happens if I observe any unusual activities during the remote session?
If you see any suspicious behavior, please end your session and change the passwords for both SIDCoin & Ethereum. Afterwards, do a security scan for your system.
Q6: As for the two-factor authentication, do we need it when connecting to a remote desktop?
Yes! This feature forces hackers to have intercepted the email, thus raising a good barrier in front of your door.
Protecting Your Data While Using Remote Desktop Software