# The Dangers of Exposing RDP to the Internet: A Deep Dive
## Introduction
Is it truly a risky move to expose a server with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to the internet? To answer this question, a team conducted an experiment where they exposed an RDP server to the internet and observed the results.
## The Experiment
The team set up a server, exposed RDP to the internet, and left it unattended for 15 days. Within a minute of exposure, they noted login attempts flooding in, showcasing the vulnerability of RDP to brute force attacks. They analyzed the most commonly attempted usernames, with “administrator” being the top choice, highlighting the lack of secure password policies in organizations.
## The Statistics
Over the 15-day period, the team witnessed over 2 million failed login attempts from 137,500 unique usernames and 999 unique IP addresses. This data emphasizes the prevalence of scanning activities seeking open RDP ports and the inherent danger of exposing RDP to the internet.
## Security Concerns Persist
Even when RDP is exposed on non-default ports, scanners and ransomware groups can easily identify and target them. Security through obscurity proves ineffective, as brute force attempts commence swiftly after the port is opened.
## Recommendations
In light of these findings, administrators are advised to explore more secure methods for remote access, such as using a VPN with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). The series concludes with a promise to delve into investigation queries for a deeper understanding of attack specifics.
## Key Points
– Exposing RDP to the internet leads to a high volume of brute force attacks.
– Common usernames like “administrator” are targeted in these attacks.
– Security through obscurity does not protect against RDP vulnerability.
– Secure alternatives like VPN with MFA are recommended for remote access.
In conclusion, the experiment showcases the inherent risks of exposing RDP to the internet, emphasizing the need for robust security measures to safeguard against malicious attacks. Administrators must prioritize secure access methods to protect their systems from potential threats. the impact of climate change on polar bear populations:
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