Why Changing the Remote Desktop Port Matters for IT Security

Updated on November 27, 2025, by ITarian

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is one of the most widely used tools for accessing Windows systems remotely, which makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. That’s why so many IT professionals search for ways to improve RDP security, including how to change remote desktop port settings. While changing the port alone isn’t a complete security solution, it plays an important role in reducing exposure to automated attacks and port-scanning bots that target the default RDP configuration. For cybersecurity teams, IT managers, and enterprise leaders, understanding why the port change matters—and how it fits into a broader security strategy—is essential.

In today’s remote-first environment, organizations rely heavily on secure remote access for operations, troubleshooting, and business continuity. But with that convenience comes increased risk. Attackers routinely scan the internet for exposed RDP endpoints running on the default port 3389. By modifying this port and implementing best practices, IT teams can significantly reduce malicious attempts, strengthen system resilience, and increase overall endpoint protection. This article explores why changing the RDP port matters, how it improves security, the risks involved, and what additional layers you should apply to build a secure remote access framework.

Understanding the Role of the Remote Desktop Port

The Remote Desktop Protocol uses a designated port to communicate between the client and server. By default, Windows uses port 3389, which is universally known—and universally targeted. Anything that is predictable becomes easy for attackers to exploit.

Why the default port is risky:

Attackers scan for port 3389 constantly
Password-guessing bots repeatedly attempt brute-force attacks
Exposed RDP can become an entry point for ransomware
Misconfigured RDP settings leave large attack surfaces
Old or vulnerable versions of RDP can be exploited

Changing the Remote Desktop port won’t stop all attacks, but it does reduce the volume of automated scanning attempts, which is a meaningful first step.

Why IT Teams Choose to Change Remote Desktop Ports

Organizations change RDP ports for several strategic reasons related to security, compliance, and network management.

Reduced Visibility to Attackers

Port 3389 is one of the most scanned ports on the internet. Moving RDP to a different port reduces noise and unnecessary intrusion attempts.

Lowering Automated Brute-Force Attacks

Many bots only target the default port. Changing the port can decrease the frequency of brute-force attacks dramatically.

Organizational Security Policies

Some companies require custom port configurations to reduce predictability or for segmentation purposes.

Compliance Requirements

Industries like healthcare, finance, and government often mandate risk-reducing configurations for remote access.

Supporting Better Network Segmentation

Custom RDP port settings allow administrators to build isolated access zones for different departments.

These advantages make it clear why security-focused teams prioritize updating their RDP port configuration.

Security Risks of Leaving RDP on Default Port 3389

Leaving port 3389 unchanged poses real-world cybersecurity risks that organizations cannot ignore.

Frequent Brute-Force Attempts

Hackers use automated tools to guess usernames and passwords, sometimes within minutes of exposure.

Exposure to Ransomware Attacks

Many ransomware groups exploit compromised RDP sessions as their initial entry point.

Vulnerability Exploits

Older RDP protocols have been exploited in major incidents, including attacks similar to BlueKeep.

Unauthorized Lateral Movement

If attackers gain access to an RDP endpoint, they can navigate through a network and extract sensitive data.

Credential Stuffing Attacks

Attackers use leaked or reused passwords to attempt login to exposed RDP ports.

Changing the port won’t entirely eliminate these risks, but it significantly reduces the volume of attack attempts.

How Port Changes Fit Into a Larger Security Framework

Changing the Remote Desktop port should always be part of a multi-layered security approach, not a replacement for more robust tools.

Essential security layers to pair with port modification:

Strong passwords and MFA
Network-level authentication
VPN access requirement
RDP restricted to internal IPs
Firewall port filtering
Endpoint protection/EDR
Continuous monitoring
Device compliance enforcement

With layered security, changing the RDP port becomes one piece of a cohesive remote access strategy.

Benefits of Changing the Remote Desktop Port

Although simple, this configuration delivers meaningful improvements—especially for organizations with many exposed or remote-access endpoints.

Reduced Attack Surface

By using an uncommon port, your RDP endpoint becomes less visible to automated scans, instantly reducing the volume of login attempts.

Improved Security Through Obfuscation

Security teams call this “security through obscurity”—not a primary defense, but still useful. It adds friction for attackers and buys defenders valuable time.

Better Log Visibility

A custom RDP port makes it easier for IT teams to:

Track unusual access attempts
Identify malicious scanning behavior
Separate legitimate traffic from automated noise

This leads to faster detection and better decision-making.

More Control Over Remote Access Behavior

Changing the RDP port allows organizations to:

Customize access rules
Implement port-specific firewall policies
Segment user groups
Reduce system-wide exposure

Better control means better security.

Common Misconceptions About Changing RDP Ports

Many IT users misunderstand what changing the Remote Desktop port truly accomplishes.

Misconception 1: “Changing the port makes RDP completely secure.”

It reduces scanning but does not prevent targeted attacks.

Misconception 2: “VPN isn’t needed if the port is changed.”

VPN remains essential for encrypted, internal-only access.

Misconception 3: “Firewalls automatically adjust.”

Firewalls must be manually configured to allow the new port.

Misconception 4: “It prevents credential theft.”

Credential theft prevention relies on MFA, strong passwords, and EDR—not just port changes.

Understanding these misconceptions prevents misconfigurations and security gaps.

Key Considerations Before You Change the Remote Desktop Port

Before making any changes, IT teams should evaluate potential impacts.

Firewall Adjustments Are Required

The new port must be allowed explicitly.

Port Conflicts May Occur

Ensure the chosen port isn’t used by another service.

Internal Documentation Must Be Updated

Teams need current documentation for continuity.

Remote Access Tools Must Be Aligned

Scripts, RMM platforms, and remote monitoring tools must use the new port.

Change Windows Registry Carefully

Registry edits require precision—incorrect entries cause downtime.

Planning ensures smoother and safer implementation.

Best Practices for Choosing a New Remote Desktop Port

Not all ports are created equal. IT teams should select a port strategically.

Avoid Well-Known Ports

Ports 0–1023 are commonly used and risk conflicts.

Use Ports Above 50000 for Reduced Visibility

Attackers scan lower ranges more frequently.

Document the Port Clearly

All IT staff must know the new configuration.

Pair With Firewall and VPN Rules

Changing the port alone is not sufficient.

Restrict Access to Known IP Ranges

This eliminates most external threats outright.

Choosing the right port combined with layered security provides the strongest protection.

Remote Desktop Port Change in Enterprise Environments

Large enterprises require more robust controls.

Enterprise-focused considerations:

Multi-location support
RDP gateway servers
Identity and access segmentation
Conditional access enforcement
High-availability remote access
Intelligent event logging
Automated alerting

Enterprises often combine RDP port changes with Zero Trust policies.

Recommended Alternatives to Basic RDP Security

Modern organizations typically combine RDP changes with:

VPN-only access

Prevents external exposure entirely.

RDP Gateway

Provides central, secured access.

SSH tunneling

Adds encryption and reduces exposure.

Microsoft Intune

Manages device compliance before granting access.

Privileged access management (PAM)

Protects admin-level sessions.

These methods significantly strengthen remote access beyond port changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does changing the RDP port improve security?

Yes, but only partially. It reduces brute-force attempts but must be combined with other security layers.

2. What port should I use instead of 3389?

Most IT teams choose ports above 50000 to reduce visibility to scanners.

3. Do firewalls update automatically after a port change?

No, firewall rules must be updated manually.

4. Will remote tools still work after the change?

Yes, but only after updating the port number in your RMM, scripts, or access tools.

5. Is the default RDP port a cybersecurity risk?

Yes. It is heavily targeted by bots, scanners, and brute-force attackers.

Final Thoughts

Changing the Remote Desktop port remains one of the simplest yet effective first steps in reducing exposure to automated attacks. Although it doesn’t replace stronger security methods, it helps IT teams cut down attack volume, improve log visibility, and enforce better configuration control. When combined with VPN access, firewall restrictions, network authentication, and continuous monitoring, modifying the RDP port becomes part of a stronger cybersecurity strategy that protects both remote employees and on-site users.

If you’re looking to strengthen endpoint protection, streamline remote access, and improve IT security automation, you can Start your free trial with ITarian and explore how modern device management tools can enhance your organization’s remote access security posture.