RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) Attacks Explained.

Whitepaper

Published 11 May 2026Updated 18 Oct 2026

Hacker in dark hoodie with red lock icon on monitor, cybersecurity threat concept.

What Will You Find in This Report on RDP Attacks?

RDP attacks abuse the Remote Desktop Protocol, which lets a person log into a computer remotely. MITRE ATT&CK describes attackers using valid accounts to log in over RDP and then act as that user. CISA says threat actors often gain first access through exposed, poorly secured remote services, then move across the network with the native Windows RDP client.

Learn All Technical Details
What is RDP attacks, and why do threat actors always use this attack type? Learn the main concepts of the remote desktop potocol (RDP) attacks, to prevent yourself!

Gain Knowledge About Future Attacks
Remote workers widely use RDP. This document is created to understand the RDP attacks and protect yourself, your brand, and all your digital assets from threat actors.

Response & Mitigation Tactics From Experts
You will be able to reach the necessary technical details to produce proactive solutions. Threat actors have been increasingly active and sophisticated in recent years, making it more difficult for companies to protect themselves.

More guides on similar threats are in all Brandefense whitepapers.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Attacks that abuse the Remote Desktop Protocol. MITRE ATT&CK describes adversaries using valid accounts to log in over RDP and then act as the logged-on user.

  • CISA says threat actors often gain initial access through exposed and poorly secured remote services, then traverse the network using the native Windows RDP client.

  • CISA recommends limiting the use of RDP, closing unused RDP ports, enforcing account lockouts, using multifactor authentication, and logging and monitoring RDP login attempts.

Research Is General. Your Exposure Is Not.

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