How to Detect RDP Connections
Detecting RDP connections is a powerful tool for connecting to other computers, but it can also be used by attackers to gain access to a network. Attackers can use RDP to download low-level system tweaking software, disable endpoint protection, and more. Once attackers gain access, they can move throughout a network undetected and with free rein to the internal workings of each machine they connect to.
One of the ways attackers can be detected is by examining logs for unusually high amounts of incoming RDP connections. By analyzing the frequency, source IP addresses, and times of these connections, it is possible to identify patterns that might indicate a security breach.
How to Detect RDP Connections: A Comprehensive Guide
Detecting RDP connections is fairly straightforward, but it’s important to know what to look for. To begin, check that the affected computer’s incoming RDP port is configured to only accept connections from local hosts. On the affected computer, open the Registry (press Win + R to invoke the Run dialog box, type regedit, and press OK). Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Terminal Server Client > Default. Expand this key, and check for an entry with a status of “Listen”. If the entry exists, the RDP listener is working.
Next, investigate the source of inbound RDP connections on the affected computer. If a large number of inbound RDP connections are coming from remote locations, this might indicate that the affected computer is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Alternatively, it could indicate that the computer is being targeted by malware and needs to be upgraded.…