RDP

A Microsoft protocol for remote graphical access, a frequent attack target.

Remote Desktop Protocol is a Microsoft protocol that provides graphical remote control of a Windows system, typically over TCP port 3389. It is heavily used for administration but is also a frequent attack vector, targeted by brute-force attempts, credential stuffing, and exploitation when exposed to the internet. Ransomware operators often gain initial access through unprotected RDP. Mitigations include restricting it behind a VPN, enforcing MFA, applying network level authentication, and limiting exposure with firewall rules and account lockouts.