How do you alter the ports that accept RDP?
In today’s digital landscape, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a widely used technology for accessing and managing remote computers. RDP allows users to connect to a computer from a different location, providing a seamless and secure way to work remotely. However, by default, RDP uses port 3389, which can make your system vulnerable to unauthorized access. In this article, we will discuss how to alter the ports that accept RDP to enhance the security of your system.
Understanding RDP and its default port
RDP is a protocol developed by Microsoft that enables a user to remotely connect to another computer over a network connection. It is commonly used for remote desktop access, remote administration, and virtualization. By default, RDP uses TCP port 3389 for communication. This port is well-known and widely targeted by malicious actors, which is why changing the default port is a recommended security practice.
Changing the RDP port on Windows
To alter the ports that accept RDP on a Windows system, follow these steps:
1. Open the Remote Desktop settings by searching for “Remote Desktop” in the Start menu and selecting “Remote Desktop Settings.”
2. In the System Properties window, click on the “Advanced” tab.
3. Under the “Remote Desktop” section, click on the “Change settings” button.
4. In the Remote Desktop settings window, go to the “Connections” tab.
5. Right-click on the default RDP connection and select “Properties.”
6. In the “General” tab, you will find the “Port” field. Enter the new port number you want to use for RDP connections.
7. Click “OK” to save the changes.
Configuring the firewall to allow the new port
After changing the RDP port, you need to configure your firewall to allow incoming connections on the new port. Here’s how to do it on a Windows system:
1. Open the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. In the left pane, click on “Inbound Rules.”
3. Click on “New Rule” in the right pane.
4. Select “Port” and click “Next.”
5. Choose “TCP” and enter the new RDP port number in the “Specific local ports” field.
6. Select “Allow the connection” and choose the profiles (Domain, Private, and Public) where you want to allow the connection.
7. Give the rule a name and click “Finish.”
Testing the new RDP connection
Once you have changed the RDP port and configured the firewall, it’s essential to test the new connection to ensure everything is working correctly. You can do this by attempting to connect to the remote computer using the new port number. If the connection is successful, you have successfully altered the ports that accept RDP.
Conclusion
By altering the ports that accept RDP, you can enhance the security of your system and reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Remember to configure your firewall to allow incoming connections on the new port and test the connection to ensure everything is working as expected. This simple step can significantly improve the security posture of your remote desktop environment.
