Remote DESKTOP Connection using Windows XP software... Is it encrypted? Can somebody sniff my data?

[WayneTeK]

I was wondering.. if i use windows xp to remote connect to another computer, is it encrypted??? I hope it is secure because I need a secured connection... otherwise, VNC is my choice i guess..

 

[JackMDS]

Quote from Microsoft: "Once you have enabled your Windows XP Professional computer to allow remote connections, and installed client software on a Windows-based client computer, you are ready to start a Remote Desktop session. You must first establish a virtual private network connection or remote access service connection from your client computer to your office network, or host computer."

Every thing you want to know about Windows Remote.

Link: HOW TO: Gain Access to Local Files by Using a Remote Desktop Connection in Windows XP, and 2003 Server

 

[WayneTeK]

hmm....

 

[groovin]

my guess would be... probaly not. you need to set up a vpn seperately.

 

[Torghn]

Originally posted by: groovin
my guess would be... probaly not. you need to set up a vpn seperately.

Yep, same with VNC.

 

[WayneTeK]

im sort of lost.. so you're saying i need to establish a VPN first to get it secured???

 

[groovin]

the point of a VPN is to create a secure tunnel using pptp, ipsec or whatever. The VPN provides the tunnel, and you run your apps through the tunnel.

if you were thinking about using VNC, but want it secure, you can tunnel VNC through SSH which will give you a good amount of security. look it up on google on how to do this. I did this a while back and found some good articles on how to use putty (ssh client) to set up an ssh tunnel for VNC. I dont know if all VNCs will work happily in this setup so try using tightVNC or ultraVNC.

 

[groovin]

btw... i love G35 coupes! my friend just got one recently. i think im going to get the Z though... i just want the extra .5 secs to 60!

 

[WayneTeK]

Originally posted by: groovin
btw... i love G35 coupes! my friend just got one recently. i think im going to get the Z though... i just want the extra .5 secs to 60!

the 350Z is an awesome choice my friend... I just preferred the G35 because of the extra seating capacity... I wanted the 350z in Blue.. such a sweet color. =)

 

[JackMDS]

Read this: HOW TO: Gain Access to Local Files by Using a Remote Desktop Connection in Windows XP

Microsoft - Set VPN on WinXP.

 

[WayneTeK]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
Read this: HOW TO: Gain Access to Local Files by Using a Remote Desktop Connection in Windows XP

Microsoft - Set VPN on WinXP.

thanks. very helpful!

 

[WobbleWobble]

I would think that Remote Desktop Connection is encrypted. If you go to the "About" screen, you'll see that "Maximum encryption strength: 128 bits. That's just my observation

 

[mboy]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
I would think that Remote Desktop Connection is encrypted. If you go to the "About" screen, you'll see that "Maximum encryption strength: 128 bits. That's just my observation

I can tell you for a fact that at the very least the username is NOT encrypted as I saw the actual packet on my ACID box from one of my snort sensors.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: mboy

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
I would think that Remote Desktop Connection is encrypted. If you go to the "About" screen, you'll see that "Maximum encryption strength: 128 bits. That's just my observation

I can tell you for a fact that at the very least the username is NOT encrypted as I saw the actual packet on my ACID box from one of my snort sensors.

Of course it's not, you haven't authenticated yet Once you remotely authenticate the data is encrypted.
Bill

 

[mboy]

That would make sense then. However not super secure. Capturing username is half the battle .

I do not use the remote desktop, vnc or PCanywhere without going thru an encrypted tunnel before hand (end to end) 3des MD5 SHA1 VPN. BUt that;s just me