How to Secure Your New York RDP Against Unauthorized Access

June 15, 2025

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is an essential tool for businesses and remote professionals who need to access powerful virtual environments hosted on remote servers. New York RDP, in particular, is highly preferred due to its low latency and high-speed access to the U.S. East Coast. However, the increasing reliance on RDP has made it a prime target for unauthorized access, hacking attempts, and brute-force attacks.

If you’re using a New York RDP for tasks such as trading, automation, development, or digital marketing, securing your connection is no longer optional—it’s essential. In this article, we'll walk you through the best practices to secure your New York RDP against unauthorized access, with actionable tips and security configurations recommended by 99RDP, a leading provider of secure and reliable RDP solutions.

Why Is New York RDP a Common Target?

New York RDP servers are attractive targets because:

They're often used for high-value tasks (forex, bots, trading).
They are frequently left with default settings, including default ports and weak credentials.
They can be used as launchpads for DDoS attacks or spam operations once compromised.

99RDP ensures all its New York RDP servers are deployed with basic protections, but further hardening is recommended for advanced use cases.

1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Why it Matters:

Brute-force attacks are the most common method hackers use to access RDP. Weak or reused passwords make their job easier.

Solution:

Use a strong password (12+ characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).
Avoid reusing passwords across services.
Use a password manager to generate and store complex credentials.

Tip from 99RDP: All RDPs come with strong randomized passwords by default. But it’s recommended to change it on first login to something secure and memorable only to you.

2. Change the Default RDP Port (3389)

Why it Matters:

Attackers typically scan for port 3389 to find exposed RDP services.

Solution:

Change the default port to a non-standard one, such as 45219.
Update firewall rules accordingly to allow the new port.

Warning: Make sure to document your new port, or you may lock yourself out.

3. Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA)

Why it Matters:

NLA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to authenticate before a session is established.

Solution:

Go to System Properties > Remote and enable "Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication."

99RDP's New York RDPs come with NLA enabled by default for safer access.

4. Restrict Access by IP

Why it Matters:

If only specific IPs can connect to your RDP, the risk of brute-force attempts and bot scans is minimized.

Solution:

Use Windows Firewall or your hosting provider's panel to whitelist specific IPs.
Block all others by default.

Advanced Option: Set up IP whitelisting via control panel provided by 99RDP to limit login access to your home or work IP only.

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Why it Matters:

2FA greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if your credentials are stolen.

Solution:

Use tools like Duo 2FA, Rublon, or Microsoft Authenticator.
Install 2FA support through Windows Group Policy or third-party software.

99RDP supports custom installations if you want to secure your RDP with advanced tools like Duo or Authy.

6. Configure Account Lockout Policies

Why it Matters:

Brute-force bots will attempt hundreds or thousands of login attempts. Account lockout reduces the chances of success.

Solution:

Open Local Security Policy > Account Lockout Policy.
Set:
- Account lockout threshold: 5 invalid attempts
- Lockout duration: 15–30 minutes
- Reset account lockout counter after: 15 minutes

7. Keep the Operating System Updated

Why it Matters:

Security patches close vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware or attackers.

Solution:

Enable automatic updates on your RDP.
Restart your server regularly to apply updates.

With 99RDP, updates are tested and pushed regularly to ensure stability and security on all New York RDP servers.

8. Use a VPN or Tunneling for Remote Access

Why it Matters:

VPNs create a private, encrypted connection to your server, hiding it from public scanners.

Solution:

Install a VPN (e.g., OpenVPN, WireGuard) on your RDP and connect before using RDP.
Or use SSH tunneling to route traffic securely.

Pro Tip: Ask 99RDP support to configure VPN-based access if you want end-to-end encryption and protection from exposure.

9. Disable Unused Services and Admin Accounts

Why it Matters:

Default or unused admin accounts can be entry points for attackers.

Solution:

Disable the default “Administrator” account.
Create a custom admin account with a unique name.
Turn off unnecessary Windows services that expose your server.

10. Monitor Logs and Set Up Alerts

Why it Matters:

You need to know if someone is attempting to access your RDP server without authorization.

Solution:

Use Windows Event Viewer to track failed login attempts.
Set up log monitoring tools like EventSentry, Wazuh, or Prometheus + Grafana for real-time alerts.

99RDP allows integration with monitoring tools and offers snapshots for easy rollback in case of breach.

Final Thoughts

Securing your New York RDP is a multi-layered effort that should include both system-level configurations and good user practices. From changing default ports to enabling 2FA and using VPNs, every layer you add decreases the chances of unauthorized access. With the right setup, your RDP can become a fortress instead of a liability.

At 99RDP, we provide fully managed, secure New York RDP solutions with high uptime, fast speeds, and customizable security features. Whether you're a trader, developer, or entrepreneur, we help you stay secure and efficient.

Ready to secure your operations with a fast and safe New York RDP? Choose your plan today at 99RDP and stay ahead of cyber threats.