RDP: Essential for IT, But a Prime Cyber Threat Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a revolutionary Microsoft technology that enables users to access and control computers remotely. It has become a cornerstone for IT teams, allowing remote troubleshooting, seamless business operations, and efficient system management. However, this convenience comes at a cost—RDP is also a major cybersecurity risk if not properly secured.
Why IT Teams Rely on RDP Despite Security Risks
Over 50% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) leverage RDP for their daily operations due to its undeniable benefits:
Cost and Downtime Reduction – IT teams can resolve issues remotely, eliminating the need for on-site support and cutting expenses.
Business Continuity – Employees and administrators can securely access company systems from any location, ensuring uninterrupted workflows.
Scalability for IT Management – MSPs can efficiently manage multiple client networks from a single interface.
Despite its advantages, RDP remains a prime target for cybercriminals, requiring organizations to implement stringent security measures.
Emerging Cyber Threat: Port 1098 Scans
Traditionally, RDP operates on port 3389. However, recent cybersecurity reports, including a December 2024 study by the Shadowserver Foundation, indicate that hackers are now aggressively scanning port 1098 to detect vulnerable RDP instances.
Cybercriminals are using automated scanners to probe up to 740,000 IP addresses daily for RDP vulnerabilities. Many of these scans originate from a single region, suggesting organized cyberattack campaigns aimed at exploiting misconfigured or unprotected systems.
For businesses, particularly SMBs and MSPs, this rising threat increases the risk of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and operational disruptions.
Microsoft’s Security Patches: A Critical Defense
Recognizing the escalating threats, Microsoft consistently rolls out critical security updates to patch vulnerabilities in Remote Desktop Services:
December 2024 Patch – Addressed nine major security flaws in RDP, strengthening defenses against known exploits.
January 2025 Patch – Fixed two additional critical vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-21309 and CVE-2025-21297) that allowed remote code execution without authentication.
Regular patching is a non-negotiable step in securing RDP environments and mitigating cyber risks.
How Kaseya’s vPenTest Enhances RDP Security
Exposing RDP to the internet is often a misconfiguration, rather than a necessity. In 28,729 network penetration tests, Kaseya’s vPenTest discovered 368 instances of publicly exposed RDP and 490 occurrences of BlueKeep—a notorious RDP vulnerability.
For organizations seeking proactive security, vPenTest offers:
Automated Network Penetration Testing – Simulates real-world cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them.
Multi-Tenant Management – Enables IT teams to conduct and oversee multiple penetration tests across different organizations.
Detailed Reporting & Dashboard – Provides executive summaries and technical reports, helping IT teams understand and address security gaps.
By leveraging vPenTest, IT professionals can continuously assess and improve their RDP security posture.
Datto EDR: Real-Time RDP Protection
To add an extra layer of security, organizations can deploy Datto Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), which offers:
Real-Time Threat Detection – Monitors RDP traffic for anomalies, such as unauthorized access attempts or suspicious port usage.
Automated Incident Response – Instantly blocks or isolates threats, preventing unauthorized access.
Comprehensive Reporting – Generates detailed logs and analysis for improved cybersecurity decision-making.
With Datto EDR, businesses can use RDP securely while minimizing exposure to cyber threats.
Best Practices for Securing RDP
To significantly reduce the risks associated with RDP, organizations should implement the following security measures:
Apply Security Patches Promptly – Always install the latest updates to fix vulnerabilities.
Limit RDP Exposure – Restrict access to authorized personnel and consider changing the default port (3389) to minimize attack vectors.
Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adds an additional layer of verification, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access.
Implement Strong Password Policies – Require complex passwords to prevent brute-force attacks.
RDP Is Here to Stay – But Security Must Evolve
RDP is an indispensable tool for IT management and remote work. However, its growing attractiveness to cybercriminals demands proactive security measures. With hackers now targeting port 1098 and continuously innovating their attack methods, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity best practices, stay updated on security patches, and leverage advanced defense tools like Datto EDR and vPenTest.
By staying vigilant and proactive, organizations can harness the full potential of RDP while safeguarding their networks against emerging threats.
Stay Secure. Stay Updated.