Windows 2003 Server and Remote Desktop

I have a Windows 2003 web server that I'll be installing into a collocation
facility. I need to have remote access for management purposes. Currently
I'm using Remote Desktop from within my LAN (server is on my LAN now for
testing). However once it's put at the data center it will have a public IP
and be accessible by visitors.

I'd still like to have Remote Desktop there. Here are some questions:

1) Does remote desktop have encryption to prevent sniffing of data?
2) Is there a way to password protect RD so that users won't just see the
Windows logon screen by simply connecting?
3) Any other suggestions on securing this?

in this case, it is better to use RDC over VPN. this step by step how to setup TS over VPN may help, http://www.howtonetworking.com/VPN/tsovervpn1.htm

Don't send e-mail or reply to me except you need consulting services. Posting on MS newsgroup will benefit all readers and you may get more help.

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
How to Setup Windows, Network, Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties.
I recommend Brinkster for web hosting!

"Shabam" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:BtadnYe7l7ksLLzfRVn-(E-Mail Removed)...
I have a Windows 2003 web server that I'll be installing into a collocation
facility. I need to have remote access for management purposes. Currently
I'm using Remote Desktop from within my LAN (server is on my LAN now for
testing). However once it's put at the data center it will have a public IP
and be accessible by visitors.

I'd still like to have Remote Desktop there. Here are some questions:

1) Does remote desktop have encryption to prevent sniffing of data?
2) Is there a way to password protect RD so that users won't just see the
Windows logon screen by simply connecting?
3) Any other suggestions on securing this?

Normally I use VPN to initiate RDP as well, but sometimes I prefer to leave
RDP access open, especially if I need to troubleshoot VPN services that
aren't working...

Another way to secure would be to filter port 3389 (RDP) based on IP address
whether or the server or at a firewall...

"Shabam" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:BtadnYe7l7ksLLzfRVn-(E-Mail Removed)...
>I have a Windows 2003 web server that I'll be installing into a collocation
> facility. I need to have remote access for management purposes.
> Currently
> I'm using Remote Desktop from within my LAN (server is on my LAN now for
> testing). However once it's put at the data center it will have a public
> IP
> and be accessible by visitors.
>
> I'd still like to have Remote Desktop there. Here are some questions:
>
> 1) Does remote desktop have encryption to prevent sniffing of data?
> 2) Is there a way to password protect RD so that users won't just see the
> Windows logon screen by simply connecting?
> 3) Any other suggestions on securing this?
>
>

"Andy L" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Normally I use VPN to initiate RDP as well, but sometimes I prefer to
leave
> RDP access open, especially if I need to troubleshoot VPN services that
> aren't working...
>
> Another way to secure would be to filter port 3389 (RDP) based on IP
address
> whether or the server or at a firewall...

But is RDP traffic encrypted if not using VPN?

>But is RDP traffic encrypted if not using VPN?

Yes RDP traffic is encrypted .

--
Todd J Heron, MCSE
Windows Server 2003/2000/NT
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Note: I do not top-post or bottom-post so that my responses are always easy
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