How MSPs Secure RDP with Netmaker

Remote Desktop Protocol has long been a staple tool for IT administrators and MSPs to provide technical support and manage client systems from afar. However, directly exposing RDP ports to the internet creates several critical security concerns:

1. RDP servers become visible to automated port scanners and vulnerability detection tools
2. Brute force attacks can target publicly accessible RDP endpoints
3. Zero-day vulnerabilities can be exploited before patches are deployed
4. Lateral movement becomes possible once an attacker gains access

Exposed RDP endpoints remain one of the primary attack vectors for ransomware campaigns and data breaches targeting businesses of all sizes.

Forward-thinking MSPs are implementing Netmaker to secure RDP using Netmaker:

Step 1: Establish a Secure Management Network

Begin by deploying a Netmaker server that will serve as the coordination point for your secure overlay network. This can be hosted in the cloud or on-premises depending on your infrastructure requirements.

Create a dedicated management network with a private address range that doesn't overlap with any client networks to avoid routing conflicts.

Step 2: Deploy Egress Gateways at Client Sites

At each client location, install Netmaker's netclient on a designated machine that will function as an egress gateway. This gateway will provide secure access to the local network while preventing direct internet exposure of critical services.

Install netclient on the gateway machine:

sudo wget -qO /root/nm-quick.sh https://raw.githubusercontent.com/gravitl/netmaker/master/scripts/nm-quick.sh && sudo chmod +x /root/nm-quick.sh && sudo /root/nm-quick.sh

‍

Join the management network:

sudo netclient join -t <management-network-token>

‍

The Netmaker dashboard fills in the token automatically:

Create an Egress Gateway:

The egress gateway eliminates the need for port forwarding RDP to the internet, as all access is now routed through the secure Netmaker overlay network.

Step 3: Implement Remote Access for Support Staff

For IT staff that need remote access, deploy the Remote Access Client (RAC) on their workstations. This provides a secure, authenticated connection to the management network.

The RAC offers significant advantages over traditional VPN clients:

• User authentication tied to identity providers through OAuth integration
• Simplified connection management through a user-friendly interface
• On-demand access that doesn't route all traffic through the VPN
• Session expiry capabilities for enhanced security

First, create a Remote Access Gateway:

Download the Remote Access Client:

Connect to the Remote Access Gateway:

Step 4: Configure Access Controls and Monitoring

Use Netmaker's access control features to implement least-privilege access principles. Ensure that only designated support staff can access specific client networks and RDP endpoints.

For advanced security and compliance reporting, implement Netmaker's monitoring capabilities to track all access to client systems.

The Netmaker Advantage for MSPs

Netmaker provides MSPs with a modern approach to solving these security challenges through its WireGuard-based overlay network technology. By implementing Netmaker, MSPs can create secure, private networks that connect client sites, management systems, and remote access points without exposing sensitive services directly to the internet.

The key advantages of this approach include:

1. Complete Visibility Control

With Netmaker's ACL features, MSPs can precisely control which devices can access RDP services. Rather than securing access through a single internet-facing endpoint protected only by credentials, Netmaker enables a true zero-trust architecture where only authenticated devices within the secure overlay network can reach RDP services.

2. Multi-Layer Authentication

Netmaker's user management capabilities allow MSPs to implement multiple layers of authentication. Users must first authenticate to join the overlay network through the Remote Access Client, then provide RDP credentials to access the actual service.

This approach significantly reduces the attack surface by requiring attackers to overcome multiple security layers rather than just obtaining RDP credentials.

3. Simplified Client Onboarding

For MSPs managing dozens or hundreds of client sites, Netmaker provides a streamlined approach to secure network deployment. The enrollment key system allows for rapid deployment of new nodes, while egress gateways enable access to entire client networks through a single secure endpoint.

4. Segmented Client Environments

One of the most powerful features for MSPs is Netmaker's ability to create distinct networks for different clients or security tiers. This ensures that a compromise in one client environment doesn't risk exposing other clients' systems - a critical advantage over traditional VPN-based management networks.

The Business Case: Why MSPs Are Making the Switch

Beyond the technical advantages, MSPs are finding compelling business reasons to adopt Netmaker for securing RDP access:

Risk Reduction:

By eliminating direct RDP exposure, MSPs dramatically reduce the risk of breaches and ransomware attacks that could damage their reputation and client relationships.

Operational Efficiency:

The centralized management of Netmaker allows MSPs to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot remote access from a single dashboard, reducing operational overhead.

Competitive Differentiation:

Offering secure remote access solutions based on modern zero-trust principles helps MSPs differentiate their services in a competitive market.

Compliance Support:

For clients in regulated industries, the enhanced security and detailed access logs help satisfy compliance requirements for systems access and management.

As threats evolve, forward-thinking MSPs are abandoning the risky practice of exposing RDP directly to the internet. By implementing Netmaker's secure overlay networks, these MSPs are not only protecting their clients from common attack vectors but also building a more manageable, scalable foundation for remote support operations.

The combination of WireGuard encryption, zero-trust architecture, and precise access controls makes Netmaker an ideal solution for securing RDP and other sensitive services. MSPs that adopt this approach position themselves as security leaders in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

‍