82% of PC Users Don’t Understand RDP
PC Matic has been surveying PC users who visit their blog site, Tech Talk, over the last few weeks. These survey results have confirmed, 82% of PC users are unaware of the functionality and purpose of a remote desktop protocol (RDP) port.
A RDP port allows for users to gain remote access to a device or network. This is often used within a work setting, but personal PCs also have this functionality, which is often enabled by default. Lately, leaving unused RDP ports enabled has created a cyber security hole hackers have learned to exploit to spread malicious software. Unfortunately, 12% of users are unaware of how to disable these ports.
Home users can check the status of their RDP port, as well as disable the port by following these instructions:
- Open your Control Panel
- Access System and Security
- Choose System in the list menu
- Click on the Remote Settings in the left menu
- Remove the check mark from the “Allow remote assistance connections to this computer”
- Click Apply
- Click Okay
For business users, IT professionals are encouraged to conduct an audit of the RDP ports that are left open. If adequate rationale cannot be provided regarding the reason for these ports to be left open, they should be disabled immediately.
