[Explained] What Is Remote Desktop Port 3389

The demand for remote connectivity to desktops in the distributed workforce has introduced many remote access technologies. However, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) via port 3389 is the standard and popular way to access and control desktop computers remotely.

Using RDP port 3389, a user can connect and control the remote desktop as if they are sitting in front of it. In this guide, we will explain in detail the remote desktop port 3389, covering its working principle, security risks, and other details.

Part 1. What Is RDP Port 3389?

A port is a virtual endpoint where network connections begin and end. It is a software-defined number linked to a network protocol and managed by the computer's OS. Every port is linked to a specific service/process. It helps the computer differentiate between the different nature of traffic. For example, the port for email is usually 25 for SMTP, while it's 80 for HTTP and 443 for HTTPS.

Port 3389 is the default port for Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). It facilitates remote access to Windows computers via the RDP. RDP is Microsoft's proprietary protocol that empowers remote connections to another computer or server. Simply put, the RDP port 3389 is vital to enable remote desktop connections to other computers and transmit data such as screen visuals, mouse/keyboard inputs, etc.

Part 2. How Remote Desktop Works Using Port 3389?

A remote desktop is a physical computer/server that a user can control from a far location via a network connection.

To better understand how port 3389 facilitates remote desktop connections, let's discuss the steps on how remote desktop connections are established and the role of port 3389 in the connection process:

Step 1. Enabling Remote Desktop Option

The first step is to enable Remote Desktop on the remote desktop. To do so:

Step 2. Send the Remote Connection Request

From the Start menu, search for remote desktop connection and click the best match option.

Enter the remote desktop name or IP address and click Connect.

Once done, the remote connection request is sent to the remote desktop. The request targets the RDP port 3389 on the remote desktop, as the remote server listens to this port for all the incoming RDP connections.

You may also be asked to enter the login credentials to access the remote desktop. These credentials are also transmitted through the port 3389.

Step 3. Session Initiation and Data Transmission

Once the connection is completed, you can access and control the remote desktop from your local computer. Here, the role of remote desktop port 3389 is to facilitate data exchange, such as screen updates, keyboard/mouse inputs, and other controls. This way, port 3389 acts as a crucial data transmission point during remote sessions.

We can sum up the role of port 3389 in the connection process in the below three points:

Part 3. Security Risks of Port 3389

The port 3389 is crucial for remote desktop connections but comes with security risks. Hackers can leverage the open nature of this port to compromise security and penetrate systems.

Here are some of the key security risks of port 3389:

Brute-force Attacks

A brute-force attack is a hacking technique where attackers use trial-and-error to guess the login credentials. Attackers find exposed RDP servers on the internet and conduct brute-force attacks to breach credentials. So, if you have set a weak password, attackers can crack it and get unauthorized access to the system.

Misconfiguration

It is not uncommon for users to misconfigure remote desktop connection (RDP). For example, RDP servers may be unintentionally exposed directly to the internet. These misconfigurations provide a gateway for attackers to penetrate into the system.

Security Vulnerabilities

In the past, many known vulnerabilities linked to RDP were exploited by hackers. For instance, BlueKeep was the security vulnerability related to RDP (CVE-2019-0708), which allowed attackers to connect to an unpatched target system using RDP.

Man-in-the-Middle Attack

RDP clients do not verify the identity of the RDP server when initiating encryption. This vulnerability allows attackers to intercept traffic and establish their own encryption. This leads to a "man-in-the-middle" attack where sensitive data can be exposed.

Best Practices to Secure Remote Desktop Connections

Although port 3389 has security risks, they are avoidable if you play your cards correctly. In this perspective, below are a few best practices to secure remote desktop connections:

In short, you can secure RDP port 3389 in multiple ways. All it requires is carefully evaluating the loopholes and implementing security measures accordingly.

Part 4. How to Change the Default Port 3389

Some users tend to change the default RDP port 3389 to a different one due to multiple reasons, such as:

Here are the simple steps to change the default port 3389:

This way, you can easily change the RDP default 3389 port to a different one.

Part 5. Better Remote Desktop Solutions

Configuring and using Microsoft Remote Desktop is complicated and vulnerable to security breaches. So, what if we tell you there is an even easier, faster, and more secure remote desktop solution? This solution is known as AirDroid Remote Support.

AirDroid Remote Support is a powerful all-around remote access and support solution for businesses. It provides an internet-based pathway to connect to a remote computer or smartphone from another computer or smartphone. There is no involvement of port 3389, which makes it more secure and reliable.

Why AirDroid Remote Support is the best remote desktop solution is evident from its below list of features:

All the above features of AirDroid Remote Support make it a comprehensive remote support solution for quick IT support, secure remote work access, better customer support, proactive monitoring, and more.

In short, AirDroid Remote Support is a modernized and advanced remote access solution and an ideal alternative to Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).