Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) remains one of the most targeted attack vectors for cybercriminals, with ransomware groups frequently exploiting compromised credentials to gain unauthorized access to corporate networks. A recent analysis of Black Basta ransomware chat logs revealed that nearly 3,000 unique credentials were used in attempts to compromise corporate networks. Cybercriminals overwhelmingly target remote-desktop software and VPNs, making exposed RDP login panels a prime entry point for ransomware attacks.
The Rising Risk of Exposed RDP
According to cyber insurer Coalition, two-thirds of businesses have at least one login panel exposed to the internet, making them three times more likely to suffer a ransomware incident. Coalition’s claims data also shows that:
- 45% of ransomware incidents involved VPN appliances.
- 23% included remote desktop software.
- 47% of initial ransomware access stems from compromised credentials, with RDP playing a major role.
Cybercriminals use these exposed login portals to gain administrative control, allowing them to modify firewall rules, disable security settings, steal data, and deploy ransomware. This reality has led cyber insurers to impose stricter security measures, often requiring businesses to remove RDP from the internet entirely.
How PC Matic’s RDP Security Tools Protect Businesses
PC Matic provides advanced RDP security tools designed to mitigate these growing risks, ensuring businesses can maintain secure remote access while blocking unauthorized intrusions.
1. Logging: Visibility into Access Attempts
PC Matic offers detailed logs of all RDP sessions, including:
- Session duration
- IP address
- Device name
- Geographic location
- Whether the session was blocked or allowed
These logs provide IT teams with critical insights into unauthorized access attempts, enabling swift action against potential threats. To help with investigations, PC Matic also provides RDP detail logs that display the client computer name, IP information, location, and the compromised username.
2. Scheduling: Restrict Access to Reduce Exposure
PC Matic allows businesses to control RDP access remotely via a cloud console. Key features include:
- Full enable/disable control of RDP ports
- Recurring schedules to restrict access during non-business hours
- Temporary access windows for limited-time use
By restricting RDP availability, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to brute-force attacks and credential-based intrusions.
3. Alerts: Instant Response to Threats
Real-time alerts notify administrators of any new RDP session attempts, allowing them to:
- Kill unauthorized sessions instantly
- Allowlist trusted devices
- Shut down compromised machines
- Receive push notifications via email and/or SMS for immediate response to unauthorized RDP sessions
With immediate alerts, IT teams can act before a breach escalates into a full-scale ransomware incident. Additionally, PC Matic enables users to quickly disable RDP across some or all of their devices, giving them the opportunity to investigate a potential breach.
4. Security & Authentication: Prevent Unauthorized Access
PC Matic Pro prevents unknown devices from connecting through RDP, ensuring only authorized users gain access. Key protections include:
- Immediate termination of unauthorized access attempts
- Logging of all blocked attempts for analysis
- Prevention of external storage device access and unauthorized RDP port use
- Ability to create an authorized list of devices that can conduct RDP sessions with any PC Matic-protected device
PC Matic also provides visibility into which devices are configured with RDP enabled, accessible from the devices dashboard and the Vulnerabilities listing. Understanding which devices have RDP enabled allows customers to disable them easily, reducing their risk of being targeted in an RDP attack.
Enhancing Security with Multi-Factor Authentication and Device Authentication
To further strengthen security, PC Matic includes a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) feature, adding an extra layer of protection to the PC Matic portal login. MFA helps ensure that only authorized users can access their accounts, reducing the risk of credential compromise. In addition, PC Matic’s Device Authentication feature allows customers to create a list of authorized devices, ensuring that only pre-approved machines can successfully log in to a PC Matic-protected device within their account. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the PC Matic portal, preventing hackers from tampering with security settings or disabling PC Matic’s multi-layered protection.
Secure RDP or Risk Financial Loss
The need to secure remote access is more critical than ever. Coalition’s research found that businesses applying for cyber insurance are now required to remove RDP from the internet. Companies with multiple exposed login panels face even higher risks, making proactive security essential.
RDP should never be left unprotected. Whether strengthening existing security measures or replacing outdated remote access solutions, PC Matic’s RDP security tools provide a layered defense to reduce exposure to cyber threats.
Take Action: Protect Your Business Today
Cybercriminals continuously exploit RDP vulnerabilities to deploy ransomware and steal sensitive data. Don’t wait for an attack—take proactive steps now to secure your remote access infrastructure. Contact PC Matic today to learn how our RDP security solutions can help safeguard your organization against modern cyber threats.
