remote desktop security risks

fish2win · 08-25-2009, 08:24 AM

Hi

I have a small business network running sbs2003 and xp clients. The boss wants to be able to work remotely from an xp laptop. Tried a VPN connection and found it to be way to slow to be usable. Remote desktop is fast but we are concerned about the security risks involved.

I have a Sonicwall TZ 170 configured to allow remote connections on the default port. I have "Network Anti-virus enabled. Would adding "Gateway Antivirus" to the tz 170 improve remote security?

Your recommendations or a link to best practices would be appreciated.

Thank you
Jim

Suncoast · 08-25-2009, 02:41 PM

I personally don't like opening RDP ports on the firewall. Although Microsoft appears to be working on making it more secure. Have you considered opening a VPN then using that tunnel to run RDP?

fish2win · 08-26-2009, 05:26 AM

Thanks Suncoast.

I'll look into your suggestion. You may be on the right track.

Jim

Suncoast · 08-26-2009, 07:51 AM

It works great for me. The hard part is trying to explain to the executive that slower access from home is normal without watching their eyes glaze over.

08-25-2009, 08:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
fish2win Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2 OS: win xp pro sp2	remote desktop security risks Hi I have a small business network running sbs2003 and xp clients. The boss wants to be able to work remotely from an xp laptop. Tried a VPN connection and found it to be way to slow to be usable. Remote desktop is fast but we are concerned about the security risks involved. I have a Sonicwall TZ 170 configured to allow remote connections on the default port. I have "Network Anti-virus enabled. Would adding "Gateway Antivirus" to the tz 170 improve remote security? Your recommendations or a link to best practices would be appreciated. Thank you Jim

08-25-2009, 02:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
Suncoast Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Largo, FL, USA Posts: 389 OS: XPP, Linux, 2003, Cisco	Re: remote desktop security risks I personally don't like opening RDP ports on the firewall. Although Microsoft appears to be working on making it more secure. Have you considered opening a VPN then using that tunnel to run RDP?

08-26-2009, 05:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
fish2win Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2 OS: win xp pro sp2	Re: remote desktop security risks Thanks Suncoast. I'll look into your suggestion. You may be on the right track. Jim

08-26-2009, 07:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
Suncoast Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Largo, FL, USA Posts: 389 OS: XPP, Linux, 2003, Cisco	Re: remote desktop security risks It works great for me. The hard part is trying to explain to the executive that slower access from home is normal without watching their eyes glaze over.