The Remote Access Redefined podcast returns with Episode 2 of its second season. Host Nick Cavalancia and RealVNC’s Lead Developer for OEM, Dom Parkes, look at the major risks your organisation is facing by continuing to use RDP for remote access.
Over the course of this episode, we find out why RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), despite being widespread, is no longer a safe or practical choice in a modern IT environment.
The Security Risks of RDP
A staple of remote access for decades, RDP’s (Remote Desktop Protocol) design has not kept up with what is an ever-evolving threat landscape. It was originally built for local network use, and it lacks the security features needed to protect against today’s cyberattacks. Its reliance on open ports, weak default configurations, as well as limits when it comes to encryption, make it an easy target for attackers. Its vulnerabilities have been exploited over the year in high-profile incidents, like WannaCry and BlueKeep. As Dom and Nick discuss, these should show the dangers of using outdated tools in today’s environment, despite their availability.
Why RDP Is Still Widely Used
RDP remains popular with many organizations despite the risks it exposes them to. It’s built-in availability on Windows systems and what is perceived as cost-effectiveness make it very convenient. However, one ends up paying a very high hidden cost for said convenience, as the episode highlights.
Organization relying on RDP frequently end up with additional expenses for securing connections, implementing authentication options, and managing vulnerabilities. Even more, the lack of auditing capability and visibility into RDP usage makes it very difficult for teams to respond when security breaches occur.
A Growing Threat Landscape
The episode looks at the evolution of the threat landscape over the recent years. Dom and Nick discuss how, from AI-driven attacks to exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in very swift fashion, attackers are becoming more sophisticated, and their tools – more efficient. RDP’s weaknesses make it a valuable entry point for ransomware attacks, as well as lateral movement within networks. These trends, as well as the results of a recent RealVNC survey, to be followed soon by a comprehensive report, outline a stringent need for secure remote access solutions, able to keep up with these emerging threats.
Beyond RDP and into the Future
The episode provides organizations looking to move beyond RDP and its dangers with practical advice on why moving to a secure solution, like RealVNC Connect, is a much smarter approach. Unlike the ancient RDP, this solution is designed with security at its core. End-to-end encryption, role-based access control, as well as real-time auditing capabilities, are just some of the features it includes. Cross-platform support means that compatibility with the most diverse of IT environments is a given, making it future-proof for any organization.
Listen to the Episode Now
If your organization is still relying on RDP, this episode is a must-listen. And even if it’s not, the episode gives you valuable insights into the risks of legacy remote access tools, showing you how to protect your IT infrastructure in 2026 and beyond.
Listen now on realvnc.com/podcast or your favourite podcast platform (or watch the video version / listen to the audio version below). And don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!
