Have you felt that feeling of nerves (to a degree) about someone knocking on your door in the dead of night? That is a bit of what is going on right now with Microsoft RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) servers. Security experts are warning that hackers are conducting extensive scans scoping out weak systems all at the same time.
And here’s the kicker—it’s not random. These scans are orchestrated and organized, meaning that hackers are essentially working together.
• Complete access: RDP allows users to remote controlling a computer. If hackers have RDP access, they win.
• Weak Passwords: Vast majority of servers still have weak passwords. (If your password is “admin123,” change it right now.)
• Ransomware: Hackers typically use RDP to install ransomware and hold files for ransom.
Ever wonder how and why ransomware continues to proliferate? RDP hacks and exploits are some of the main entry points for these attacks.
• Use strong passwords and crazy hard to guess.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) in case hackers decide to use another avenue and take more than a password from you.
• If you don't need rdp, restrict outside access to it.
• Install updates when Microsoft makes them available.
• Pay attention to your login activity logs for any unusual activity or login attempts.
These acts may seem like small hurdles to overcome but they can help stop most potential attacks. Why take the risk when you can protect yourself today and not have to deal with a potential hacker tomorrow.
I always make this analogy to locking your home. Sure, a professional thief might try to break in with tools - but at least you kept away the ones that are just going to try the doors first. So please - lock that digital door before it is too late.
What Is Happening?
Hackers are scanning thousands of RDP servers to see which systems may be easier to penetrate and exploit. It`s like a person walking down a street and trying every door handle in the hopes of finding an unlocked door. Yikes, right?And here’s the kicker—it’s not random. These scans are orchestrated and organized, meaning that hackers are essentially working together.
Why Target RDP Servers?
You're probably thinking, “Why would hackers want RDP so bad?” The answer is pretty simple:• Complete access: RDP allows users to remote controlling a computer. If hackers have RDP access, they win.
• Weak Passwords: Vast majority of servers still have weak passwords. (If your password is “admin123,” change it right now.)
• Ransomware: Hackers typically use RDP to install ransomware and hold files for ransom.
Ever wonder how and why ransomware continues to proliferate? RDP hacks and exploits are some of the main entry points for these attacks.
What Can You do to Protect Yourself?
The good news? You can protect yourself by taking a few simple precautionary measures:• Use strong passwords and crazy hard to guess.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) in case hackers decide to use another avenue and take more than a password from you.
• If you don't need rdp, restrict outside access to it.
• Install updates when Microsoft makes them available.
• Pay attention to your login activity logs for any unusual activity or login attempts.
These acts may seem like small hurdles to overcome but they can help stop most potential attacks. Why take the risk when you can protect yourself today and not have to deal with a potential hacker tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Here is the rub: hackers are collaborating and RDP servers are one of their targets. If you run one, don’t wait—go check on its security today.I always make this analogy to locking your home. Sure, a professional thief might try to break in with tools - but at least you kept away the ones that are just going to try the doors first. So please - lock that digital door before it is too late.