The Dark Side of Remote Desktop: Security Risks You Can’t Ignore
The premature stage of the IT industry in the early days relied on in-person troubleshooting of the systems. Therefore, resolving tech challenges like blank screen, unbootable Windows, frozen screen, and misconfiguration on network devices became complicated and unaddressed until IT support took charge to troubleshoot these issues. To address these issues and unleash productivity, remote desktop protocol (RDP) in the form of remote desktop software was introduced in 1998 to get the access of any tech device from remote locations. However, remote access brings new challenges to the security and privacy of organizations as there is a fear of data leakage, cyber threats, zero-day vulnerabilities, and other security blind spots that need to be addressed properly. Although remote desktop access is essential, it is exploitable easily.
What are The Hidden Risks of Remote Desktop Connection?
Permission Vulnerabilities
Threat actors and hackers are now using code execution to grant permission to get unauthorized remote access to any device or system by finding security errors in the software. On July 8th, 2025, Microsoft Corporation reported CVE-2025-48817, a new vulnerability where an attacker used relative path traversal to execute code over the network. For example, a fintech organization that wants to solve the issue of flexible work environments should opt for secure software if not it can become a victim of a malicious actor.
Brute force attack
The open port 22 is the most perilous vulnerability issue that can help suspicious actors to come up with brute force attempts. The recent efforts to undertake RDP services of Microsoft by malicious IPs have made security teams more cautious to safeguard tech devices, and network-enabling MFA. For example, common and weak passwords used by the organizations become easy to predict and break for the financially motivated threat actors.
In another incident, suspicious activities targeting firewall services were detected, which was a potential series of brute force attempts by threat actors. Credentials within files were encrypted but it raises serious concerns of data being leaked online.
Ransomware attack
Cybercriminals perform malicious activities to gain access and then block it or encrypt the important files and data demanding a certain amount in crypto to decrypt and unlock the access. Dos and DDos are the most hazardous attacks performed with the intention of financial gain by malicious actors. For example, a bank infrastructure suddenly cannot access the systems and gets a message on screen to pay a certain amount on a specific crypto wallet.
Cyberscoop has reported scattered spider attacks in which at least 120 Cyberattacks were performed, demanding $115 million through ransom payment.
Credential harvesting
A broken remote connection can lead to threat actors easily getting access to your sensitive information and data of organization. Any third-party apps or storage software with data collection can lead to threat actors stealing this data and selling it to the dark web. For example, a tech firm using vulnerable remote desktop software can face severe consequences of data stealing by threat actors because of poor authentication and outdated functionalities. According to the 2025 Red Report by PICUS Security, attacks on credential stores have surged from 8% in 2023 to 25% in 2024. The report has identified 10 techniques which represent 93% of the total malicious activities in 2025.
Denial of service
The SSH server of a remote desktop can be attacked by threat actors that can disrupt the daily operations of an organization if there is no load balancer attached to manage the network traffic requests. The newly found CVE-2025-53722 vulnerability can assist unauthorized attackers to deny network service. For example, the company using SSH with the command line can be disrupted by a DoS attack on an ssh server. Another vulnerability CVE-2025-8671 that can cause stream reset between client and server due to excessive server resource consumption can lead to DoS (Denial of Service) Attack. Threat actors can manipulate and trigger the server through malformed frames to exploit incorrect stream accounting to enable large scale DoS attacks.
Exposed RDP port
The open ports 22 (SSH) and 3389 (RDP) can bring potential risk of brute force attack, and risk of data compromise, and vulnerability exploitation. Therefore, hackers found a new way to find vulnerable RDP systems by scanning port 1098.In another report, a large pool of scans were performed by sources on RDP services, specifically on port 1098/TCP. For example, an organization running RDP services on 1098 will become a victim of malicious actors with the scan nmap <IP_ADDRESS> -p 1098 in the terminal.
Phishing
Threat actors prepare malicious RDP files and modern social engineering techniques and tactics to gain unauthorized remote access. Without legitimate security features and awareness, corporate infrastructure, banking systems, government agencies easily become victims of RDP phishing attacks. For example, the recent attack on the European government through signed .RDP files embedding malicious files have bypassed initial security systems.
Malicious Software
By exploiting remote desktop software features and functionalities, threat actors are deploying multiple malware families into the end-user's system. Therefore, threat actors easily set up a command-and-control channel to perform malicious activities and impair the legitimate use of the software. For example, a new cyber attack has weaponized a popular Desksoft software to deploy malware enabling remote access.
Outdated software
Remote desktop software without proper updates and upgrades lead to potential Cyberattacks and common vulnerabilities exposure. Outdated software lacks security patches to avoid modern threats and makes it easier for malicious actors to attack systems. For example, an organization using outdated remote desktop software can face data compromise and exploitation since it does not have modern security patches.
Insider threats
Employees or any insider stealing data and disrupting systems in remote desktop environments for malicious activities is a potential insider threat. Also, negligent users leaking information accidently can damage the whole infrastructure of the company. For example, an employee accidently revealing top confidential secrets among third parties can lead to cyber disaster if not addressed properly by spreading awareness. Securityweek reported that a US-based banking firm witnessed data breach through insider threat where a former employee has revealed the financial customer information which impacted 689k individuals.
Lack of monitoring
Bad actors are continuously exploiting remote connections to gain access, deploy malware, and perform malicious activities. Therefore, a lack of monitoring the connections and alerts can give a safe path to attackers in successfully exploiting the remote desktop protocol (RDP). For example, an organization without SIEM alert monitoring on RDP connection can easily become a victim of successful Cyberattack.
Weak authentication
Not using strong multi factor authentication to ensure robust security can lead to potential cyber risks. Easy authentication can become a victim of threat actors with malicious intentions. Without MFA hackers can bypass the authentication without any complex hurdles and exploit the remote connection. A recent attack on Microsoft RD Web Access and Microsoft RDP web client by 30k unique IPs is the prime example.
Weak sign-in credentials
Common passwords and weak sign-in credentials that have already exposed data like usernames, emails, and other common details like birthdays can lead to broken access to RDP. The common tools like hydra and medusa help attackers to perform a successful brute force attack and get easy access. For example, an open port 22 of an organization can face severe brute force attempts from malicious actors.
Social engineering via remote access
By using social engineering and making individuals reveal confidential information via remote access to perform fraudulent activities. By pretending to be someone else and establishing a remote connection, bad actors try to dig for confidential information to perform malicious activities. For example, a scammer pretending to be from IT support from a credible organization establishes a remote connection and digs confidential data with social engineering.
Weak password protection
Commonly used passwords and not using a mask on passwords can lead to data leakage and compromised systems. These common passwords enable attackers to easily get the access via brute force attempts or eavesdropping on the remote connection. The multiple Password guessing tools have made it easy for businesses to crack the password efficiently. For example, a common password leaked in a data breach can be the potential risk for the organization.
Control access
Using brute force attacks and credential stuffing, threat actors get the control access of remote connections to perform malicious activities which can damage the infrastructure. Also, access control can leak the sensitive information of the organization making it vulnerable for the businesses to safeguard the security operations. For example, an organization without a secure environment in RDP can become the victim of control access of RDP.
Password sharing
Sharing the password credentials of remote desktop brings severe risks and threats making it easier for threat actors to gain unauthorized access and perform malicious activities. Remote desktop password sharing can also lead to data leakage which can cause potential damage to business. For example, a shared password by an employee can be found on potential data breach leading to successful brute force attempts.
Unauthorized access
Threat actors are using malicious payloads to exploit RDP clients and gain unauthorized access with bad intentions. Hackers are using modern techniques and tactics like AI-powered cyber attacks to gain easy unauthorized access and perform fraudulent activities. For example, a digital attack like an individual performing brute force on an organization, and an employee trying to access the data he does not have legitimate access to.
How to Mitigate the Risks of Remote Desktop Access?
Modern security challenges have made it difficult to safeguard the IT infrastructure from potential cyber threats. Therefore, remote desktop software comes up with AI-powered modern features and functionalities that can tackle advanced security risks. This software has addressed the majority of the security risks to provide a safe and secure remote connection with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence. A few top remote desktop software integrated with AI and listed on Goodfirms include;
Benefits Of Remote Desktop Software
Enhanced security
Remote desktop software using AI-powered advanced features and functionalities can enhance the overall security of the remote connection. Proactive threat detection feature enables prediction of attacks before they happen learning from previously found patterns and trending vulnerability exposure into the market. For example, an organization upgrading security patches with AI assisted threat detection eliminated future potential threats.
Increased productivity
Troubleshooting tech challenges from anywhere becomes easy with remote access to ensure continuation of the operations. Therefore, any complex challenges disrupting the flow of the work can be addressed via remote desktop to boost productivity and enhance the operations. For example, any software bugs and glitches found in the new project handled by a remote working employee can be quickly resolved by connecting with him over remote desktop software to optimize productivity.
Helpdesk support for troubleshooting issues remotely
The help desk supports encounters with modern complex challenges and common software challenges for which the team needs to travel to fix these issues. However, the most common challenges can be addressed through the remote desktop access saving extra time and efforts. For example, a business facing network connectivity issues due to misconfiguration of devices can connect to IT support via remote desktop and troubleshoot the issue remotely.
Technician collaboration
Collaborating with a skilled network engineer or a powerful Cybersecurity company from a different region and time zone remotely allows businesses to boost the quality of the work. Working alongside a technician with remote invite, complex challenges can be addressed thoroughly and resolved quickly. For example, businesses hire globally recognized partners to solve complex Cybersecurity challenges or send a remote invite to a network security engineer to troubleshoot network failures.
Cost efficiency
Lightweight and powerful option of working with Mini PCs that enabled portability, working from anywhere, and home office setup has offered cost-effective options for remote work employees. The minimal setup requirements and easy configuration have allowed smooth and efficient remote work IT operations to provide the cost-effective operations. For example, an organization giving valuable IT gears along with Mini PCs to remote employees can enable cost-effective results.
Cross-platform support
No matter which OS is running on the desktop, you can establish a connection with cross-platform support and easily create a real-time session to empower troubleshooting challenges. Support for multiple OS enables business continuity without any major disruption to resolve the issues. For example, a remote employee using windows and on-site staff using ubuntu operating system can establish a remote connection without any disruption to troubleshoot project bugs and glitches.
Secure remote access
To protect network resources and the organization, utilizing policies of virtual private networks (VPNs) and zero trust network access (ZTNA) in remote access can help establish a secure connection. Risk and fear of mischief and malicious threats can be eased by enabling the secure remote access connection. An organization facing cyber risks and potential threats can eliminate potential threats and risks by establishing a remote connection for example.
Support for multiple devices
Support for PC, Mac, mobile, and tablet makes it easy to establish a remote connection cost effectively boosting operational efficiency. Multiple device compatibility on a remote desktop software boosts productivity and eliminates extra cost and efforts. For example, an employee on a holiday who knows a major bug fix problem can easily connect with a mobile or tablet to guide the team with a solution.
Access files remotely
Important files and resources can be easily managed through remote connection to write, edit, and optimize the content. Getting an easy access to these files through secure connection can ensure work efficiency mitigating potential cyber threats and risks. For example, accessing the files of sensitive data of an organization remotely with remote desktop software using robust encryption methods enables security and work efficiency.
Cost savings
Reducing travel costs, hardware and physical requirements can help save a good amount of money when using a remote desktop software. Avoiding this type of miscellaneous expenses and resolving issues with remote desktop access can help in saving cost and enhancing collaboration. For example, an organization can connect with IT support to troubleshoot network challenges and save an extra amount.
Remote work
Using remote desktop software can allow businesses to offer remote work to employees and manage the operations smoothly. Businesses can smoothly manage to perform work, troubleshoot, and collaborate with remote access. With the assistance of remote work, businesses can thrive in any emergency situations such as covid-19 pandemic ensuring effective daily operations.
Ease of use
Simple interface with advanced features and functionalities allows businesses to easily establish a secure connection to troubleshoot the issues. RDP connection allows simple graphical interface sessions to perform IT operations and resolve complex challenges from anywhere. For example, a remote employee can easily connect and collaborate with on-site staff for a new project.
Integrations
Integrating SSH, RDP, and VNC protocols can enable advanced features like file transfer, password management, multi-factor authentication, and more. Therefore, establishing a robust connection and troubleshooting any complex challenges and collaborating with a team becomes fruitful. For example, with VNC protocol integration an IT professional can troubleshoot a user’s windows system using Mac.
Security
Modern era remote desktop has followed robust security standards like multi factor authentication, advanced encryption methods, restricted RDP access, integrated firewall, strong password policies, and device authentication. Also, closed RDP ports and brute force intrusion protection can help in establishing a secure remote connection. A user-centric digital defense system helps remote desktop software to eliminate any malicious threats.
Support
The support for multiple devices and cross-platform operating systems makes it easier to establish a connection across the team enabling effective collaboration. Regardless of OS or device used by the staff on your team, easy remote connections can be established to improve work efficiency. For example, a linux tech guy can establish a connection with a windows user for collaboration and work efficiency.
User-friendly interface
No complex design, functionalities, features, and simple user interface allows users to get the best out of the software without spending much time on learning about the software. With the assistance of simple user-interface, connecting and managing remote sessions becomes quick and hassle-free. For example, a non techie fresher in the account/sales department can also manage to quickly establish a remote connection.
Centralized management
Managing all the connections from top makes it easy to detect any suspicious activities and set up standard rules & regulations to encounter cyber threats. Centralized remote connection management enables standard security policies to eliminate malicious threats and risks. For example, an organization using centralized monitoring for remote connections can notify with alerts to prevent any suspicious activities performed by threat actors.
Cloud Collaboration and Productivity Apps
Cloud Collaboration in remote desktop enables easy file sharing over a different network to enhance real-time cooperation. Also, integrating productivity apps like Trello, Asana, Google Workspace or Onedrive can help in enhancing overall work efficiency. For example, an organization looking for a real-time collaboration from a remote working team can benefit from cloud collaboration and productivity apps.
Enhanced data security
Sharing or using a remote connection session of sensitive data on unreliable platforms can lead to data leakage and potential cyber threats. A remote desktop comes with SSH and RDP port security and an encrypted remote session establishment to mitigate potential malicious threats. For example, A tech company using a secure remote desktop tool can restrict the threat actors and malicious activities to ensure data being safe and secure.
Quick remote connections
The modern age competitive era requires quick solutions to troubleshoot the issues of complex IT challenges. Quick remote connection within a few clicks can enable businesses to stay competitive and address the challenges asap to ensure continuation of the operations. For example, an employee who wants to solve the project issue before the 30 minutes of deadline can quickly connect with office staff to address the issue.
Reboot and Reconnect
A remote desktop allows businesses to reboot the system from anywhere and reconnect with the system according to demand. With the assistance of remote connection, businesses can easily restart the system through the standard start menu – power – restart to troubleshoot issues. For example, an IT support staff helps a remote employee facing system issues due to network failures can resolve issues and reboot the system remotely to ensure a smooth connection.
Support BYOD environment
By supporting bring your own device (BYOD) enable cost saving, boost productivity, and ensure job satisfaction. Cross platform support in remote desktop software allows businesses to support BYOD environments and get the most out of it. For example, a tech institute with BYOD policies can achieve a safe and secure environment.
The Bottom Line:
The remote desktop market size is likely to touch $6.07 billion in 2029.
Remote desktop tools are the best way to stay connected and work efficiently even from a remote location, but it also brings serious security risks if not properly protected. Brute-force attacks, data breaches, and other vulnerabilities can cause major damage if RDP security is overlooked. For this reason, it is critical for users to be proactive. Simple steps like investing in AI-backed remote desktop solutions, using strong authentication, being mindful about the network activity, and applying updates on time can make all the difference. After all, convenience is great—but ignoring security in today’s digital world just isn’t an option.
AI-powered Remote desktop software security integration and threat detection to functionalities will shape the future of effective remote connection to troubleshoot the issues.