To reduce ransomware risk, remove public Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) exposure wherever possible. For remote access you still need, use a secured VPN or zero-trust gateway, require multifactor authentication (MFA), patch the gateway and connecting devices, limit account privileges, and monitor remote sessions. A VPN is not automatically a trusted network.
How remote access can increase ransomware risk
Remote access provides a path into organizational systems. If an internet-facing service, gateway, remote-access tool, or user account is exposed or compromised, an attacker may use that access to reach additional resources. CISA’s advisory on the Play ransomware group reported that it used external-facing RDP and VPN services for initial access; that is a group-specific observation, not a general measure of how often ransomware attacks begin this way. Read CISA’s Play advisory.
CISA’s #StopRansomware Guide states: “Do not expose services, such as remote desktop protocol, on the web.” See the guide.
Secure remote access in this order
- Find and reduce what is exposed. Inventory RDP, VPN gateways, other remote-access software, internet-facing services, and third-party connections. Disable unnecessary services and close unused ports.
- Remove public RDP. Do not allow direct RDP connections from the internet. If RDP is required, restrict which users and originating sources can connect, and mediate external connections through a VPN, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), or zero-trust gateway.
- Require MFA. Apply MFA to VPNs, remote-access services, and privileged accounts. Prefer phishing-resistant MFA where feasible.
- Patch the access path. Keep VPN gateways, network infrastructure, remote-access software, and devices used to connect current. Prioritize known exploited vulnerabilities on internet-facing systems.
- Limit what an account can do. Use least privilege, separate administrator accounts from everyday accounts, and segment networks to make lateral movement harder if an account is compromised.
- Log and monitor access. Log remote logins, enforce account lockouts, and watch for unusual use of approved remote-access tools. Use application controls to block unauthorized tools and portable executables.
CISA’s guidance includes limiting external exposure, using MFA on VPN connections, and keeping VPNs and connecting devices up to date. A VPN gateway is itself an internet-facing system that needs protection; routing a connection through it does not make the user or device inherently trustworthy. CISA #StopRansomware Guide
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Choose an access method by how it is secured
VPN, VDI, and zero-trust access can each be part of a secure design. The label alone does not determine safety. Compare the options you are considering on these criteria:
- Exposure: Are services publicly reachable, and can unnecessary ports or entry points be removed?
- Identity checks: Does the method enforce MFA, preferably phishing-resistant MFA, for users and administrators?
- Scope: Can access be limited to the specific resources and permissions a user needs, rather than granting broad network access?
- Maintenance: Can the gateway or agent be patched promptly and supported on your organization’s devices?
- Investigation: Does it produce useful login and session logs that administrators can review?
- Operational fit: Does it work with the organization’s endpoints, applications, and support requirements?
CISA cautions that “VPN access should not be considered as a trusted network zone.” See CISA’s LockBit guidance. Apply access controls to users and resources even when a connection arrives through a VPN.
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What MFA should you use?
Use MFA for remote access and privileged accounts, and choose a phishing-resistant method where practical. CISA names FIDO authentication and hardware-based public key infrastructure (PKI) as examples. A FIDO2-compatible hardware security key is one possible option, but it must be compatible with the organization’s identity provider and endpoints. CISA does not endorse a particular key or vendor. CISA #StopRansomware Guide
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Control legitimate remote-access tools, too
Blocking one connection method is not enough if unauthorized remote-access programs can run elsewhere. Maintain an inventory of approved tools, use application controls to prevent unapproved programs, and monitor how authorized tools are executed. Attackers may also misuse legitimate tools, so investigate unusual account, device, or session activity rather than relying only on a list of permitted software. CISA #StopRansomware Guide
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Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
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Quick implementation checklist
- Inventory remote-access entry points, tools, and third-party connections.
- Disable unnecessary services and close unused ports.
- Eliminate direct public RDP; restrict necessary RDP behind a controlled access path.
- Require MFA and favor phishing-resistant methods when supported.
- Patch gateways, remote-access software, network infrastructure, and connecting devices.
- Separate administrator accounts, apply least privilege, and segment the network.
- Log remote logins, enforce account lockouts, and monitor tool use.
- Use application controls to block unauthorized remote-access software.
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