VPN vs Remote Desktop Protocol: What’s the Difference?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) perform different tasks. RDP programs let you connect to a specific computer, mirroring its screen and letting you use its resources and programs on your device. A VPN is a cybersecurity program that increases your online privacy and security by encrypting and rerouting your device’s connection through a remote server.

In this article, we’ll look at the differences between VPNs and RDP technology so you can choose which is best for your needs.

How to Secure Your RDP Connection with CyberGhost VPN

The RDP protocol has known vulnerabilities – meaning RDP software can make your connection more vulnerable to cyber threats. Using a VPN is the easiest way to protect your data when connecting devices via remote desktop software. It’s quick to set up and use, too. Just follow these steps.

Step 1: Get CyberGhost VPN. It’s fast and easy.

Step 2: Install the app and sign in using your VPN credentials.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN server and start using your RDP client worry-free.

What Is Remote Desktop Protocol?

RDP creates a direct connection between computers over the internet that lets you see exactly what’s happening on the other computer screen via your screen. It also gives your device access to the computer’s resources as if your screen were directly connected to it. 

Since you have full control of the other computer, you can access its files, folders, and programs. You can even create and save new files, making it ideal for remote workers. RDP uses the other device’s power and RAM, so your computer’s specifications don’t matter in terms of what you want to do. 

It’s also useful for troubleshooting technical issues, especially if you aren’t tech-savvy. When you enable Remote Desktop, you can get hands-on technical assistance anywhere via remote access. This means a tech support worker can install security patches, adjust your settings as needed, and perform other repairs remotely for you. 

⚠️ Never let anyone access your computer remotely unless you trust them. Using pop-ups, emails, or calls requesting remote access to troubleshoot issues is a common scam to steal personal and/or financial information. Always use your service provider’s live chat option, ticketing, or phone support services to verify the validity of any message you receive asking for remote access to your device before accepting the connection.

Most newer macOS and Windows systems have a Remote Desktop application pre-installed. If you don’t have a Remote Desktop client installed on your device, Microsoft and Apple offer user-friendly options that are easy to install from their respective app stores.

We’ve included the instructions for Google Remote Desktop to show you how fast you can connect via remote desktop. You can access it using Chrome on macOS, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS.

How to Use Google Remote Desktop

  1. Open Chrome on your computer.
  2. Type remotedesktop.google.com/access into the address bar.
  3. Find Set Up Remote Access, then press Download.*
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the download and install process

* During the download process you may need to enter your Google account information before you can continue.

Some operating systems allow multiple users to sign in simultaneously. Each user has a separate desktop space, which means two remote desktop sessions can be active on the same computer if each user has a unique sign-in. The problem is, this can cause slow-downs, as major resources, like memory and CPU, are shared between all RDP users. If multiple people need to access the same computer, it’s a good practice to work out a schedule to avoid performance issues.

The Downsides of Using RDP

Remote Desktop has vulnerabilities. It provides a degree of built-in security, but connections are generally assigned to port 3389. When protocols are assigned specific ports, attackers can assume these ports are active and implement an attack while traffic is in transit. 

Human error is the other major vulnerability. Most remote desktop platforms require a username and password for security. Unfortunately, people often create their passwords for remote desktop connections without ensuring it’s strong enough to help prevent brute force attacks.

These attacks occur when a cybercriminal tries multiple passwords, passphrases, codes, usernames, or other credentials until they come across a combination that works to access an account. That’s why computers used to create remote desktop connections, for work or personal use, require strong passwords and additional security measures. 

What Is A VPN?

A VPN is cybersecurity software you can download on mobile and desktop devices to help increase your online security. Normally, your traffic is funneled directly through your ISP’s servers to the web servers of the online platforms you’re using. While HTTPS connections offer some protection, your ISP can see which sites you visit and websites can see information about your location, device, and online behavior too. 

When you use a VPN, your traffic is encrypted and routed securely through one of its servers. This hides your activity from your ISP, network admins, and anyone watching your connection. VPNs also mask your IP address, preventing websites and attackers from finding your real-life location. 

By connecting to a VPN server overseas, you can make it look as though you’re actually in another country. This is useful for privacy, and it can help you safely access sites and services that aren’t available at your location, such as news and social media platforms. 

People also sometimes use VPNs to access systems remotely, often for work. Some network administrators set up an IP blocklist, only letting people with specific IP addresses log into work platforms for security purposes. A VPN can let remote employees mask their IP addresses with an approved IP address–as if they were at the office.

Still, a VPN on its own won’t let you access a network or computer remotely. You’d still need tools like port forwarding and remote desktop software to set up remote access. That said, VPNs and RDP software work well together, even if they serve different purposes. Both port forwarding and remote desktop platforms can open your network or devices to unwanted outsiders, and a VPN helps keep them out.

When to Use A VPN vs RDP
Use CaseVPNRDP
Remote support from a technical assistance operator
Increase privacy and security over public connections
Access remote work resources
Spoofing your location
Borrow system resources from remote computers
Safely access websites and platforms remotely, ignoring location and network restrictions

Increasing Security for RDP Connections

RDP platforms have some significant vulnerabilities. The most popular RDP software uses 128-bit Rivest Cipher 4 (RC4) encryption by default. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) discourages the use of this encryption as it’s especially vulnerable to Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks

MitM attacks are also known as On-Path attacks. This is when an attacker sneaks into the middle of your online communication with the intention of gathering or modifying data as it’s transmitted. You can increase the security of RDP connections with a few tips and tools.

Download & Use A VPN

You can use a VPN to protect your RDP connection. The VPN’s combination of encryption and IP masking prevents cyber attackers from seeing that you’re using RDP software, so they can’t use brute-force attacks to break into your network. It also safeguards any files and information you share over the RDP connection. In the event of a MitM attack, any data intercepted would be unreadable and unable to be modified – making it useless to the attacker. 

Before you start your Remote Desktop application, connect to a VPN to ensure your connection is more secure. This is especially important if you’re using public Wi-Fi, which makes you even more vulnerable to attacks. CyberGhost VPN uses powerful encryption to protect your data in transit and has servers in countries worldwide. This way you can mask your online activity with a nearby IP address virtually anywhere. 

Require Administrative Permissions for System Changes

One of the easiest ways to prevent unauthorized access to your desktop or laptop is to require administrative permissions for installations and system changes. That way, no one can make changes without you knowing, even when using RDP software. 

When using Remote Desktop, the other individual with access to your system cannot see the password you enter. This means you still have control over any system or application changes.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA can also help prevent unauthorized access to your device while using Remote Desktop. When you use 2FA methods, once you log in with your administrative credentials you receive a prompt, SMS message, or email asking you to confirm you want to use Remote Sharing.

This form of dual authentication decreases the likelihood anyone would access your computer or its resources remotely without your knowledge. It also helps prevent the party you’re sharing your desktop with from making unauthorized changes to the system or application if they were to discover your admin credentials.

VPN, RDP, or Both?

VPNs and RDP software are two different things, so they don’t really compare to each other. RDP platforms provide you with a means of gaining remote access to another device’s resources and files, and a VPN is cybersecurity software designed to protect your online connection against unwanted outside interference. 

The two interlink only when it comes to security. RDP programs have some significant security flaws, which a VPN can help you mitigate. If you want to use RDP software, the best answer is to use a VPN at the same time. However, if you’re looking to change your IP address or secure your connection in general, just opt for a VPN. 

FAQ

Are VPNs different from RDP?

Yes. A VPN is cybersecurity software designed to increase your online security and privacy. RDP is a protocol created to establish a connection between two computers in different locations, so they can share resources as needed. 

How do I install a remote desktop client on my computer?

Most operating systems (OSs) come with a pre-installed remote desktop client, including macOS and Windows. You will likely find the program under your system settings.
If you don’t already have the application on your macOS or Windows device, you can download it from the OS’s app store. Linux and Chrome OS users can use Google Remote desktop.

How do I enable Remote Desktop on Windows?

These instructions are for Windows 10 and 11. To get instructions for older operating systems, refer to Microsoft’s online support section. 

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings
2. Choose System and select Remote Desktop from the menu to the left. 
3. Toggle the button next to Enable Remote Desktop to activate the service.

How do I enable Remote Desktop for MacOS?

These instructions are for macOS Catalina+, to get detailed instructions for other OS versions refer to Apple Support. 
1. Open the Apple Menu and choose System Settings.
2. Select General on the left-hand menu and choose Sharing from the menu to the right.
3. Check the box next to Remote Management to enable Remote Desktop.

Can RDP replace a VPN?

No, but a VPN can’t replace RDP software either. You need an RDP program to access and control a remote computer system and its resources. That said, the remote desktop protocol alone isn’t enough to create a secure remote connection, and it’s vulnerable to on-path attacks like MiTM. 
You can connect to CyberGhost VPN first to hide your IP address and encrypt all your traffic. This makes it harder for attackers to track your activity and nearly impossible for them to read any data they intercept.

How is RDP through VPN safer?

Using the two together can increase the security of your remote connection. A VPN provides the strong encryption necessary to protect your data in transit and its server IP address masks yours. That way it’s harder for an attacker to trace your connection, and even if they intercept your data it’s unreadable.

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