How to Block Remote Desktop Access on Mac and PC?
Remote Desktop access can be a boon for remote work but a bane if unauthorized users gain access to your system. Blocking Remote Desktop access, whether on a Mac or a PC, is a crucial step towards safeguarding your personal data and maintaining cybersecurity. This guide will walk you through the steps to disable Remote Desktop access on both operating systems.
Why Block Remote Desktop Access?
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a Microsoft protocol designed to allow users to connect to another computer over a network connection. While convenient, it poses significant security risks if misconfigured or if vulnerabilities are exploited. Moreover, Mac users might use similar tools like Screen Sharing and VNC, which need to be secured.
Here is a comparison of how Remote Desktop access features differ between Mac and PC:
| Feature | PC | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Default Remote Desktop Access Tool | RDP | Screen Sharing |
| Common Remote Access Application | Remote Desktop Connection | Apple Remote Desktop |
| Port Used | 3389 | 5900 |
| Encryption | Optional | Built-in |
Blocking Remote Desktop Access on Mac
1. Disable Screen Sharing
- Open “System Preferences” from the Apple menu.
- Go to “Sharing”.
- Uncheck the “Screen Sharing” box.
2. Disable Remote Management
- In the same “Sharing” window, uncheck the “Remote Management” box.
3. Adjust Firewall Settings
- Navigate to “System Preferences”.
- Select “Security & Privacy” and go to the “Firewall” tab.
- Click on the lock icon to make changes and enter your admin password.
- Select “Turn On Firewall” if it’s not already on.
- Click on “Firewall Options”, find any Remote Desktop-related services, and block them.
By following these steps, you effectively block unauthorized remote access attempts on your Mac.
Blocking Remote Desktop Access on PC
1. Disable Remote Desktop
- Right-click the “Start” button and select “System”.
- Click on “Remote settings” on the left pane.
- In the “Remote” tab, under “Remote Desktop”, select “Don’t allow remote connections to this computer” and click “OK”.
2. Disable Remote Assistance
- Within the same “Remote” settings, uncheck the “Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer” box and click “OK”.
3. Configure Firewall Settings
- Open “Control Panel” and navigate to “System and Security”.
- Click “Windows Defender Firewall”.
- On the left side, click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall”.
- Find “Remote Desktop” and uncheck it to block RDP through the firewall.
- Click “OK”.
To further strengthen your PC, consider configuring the firewall to block port 3389, which is used by RDP.
Enhancing Security Measures
Even after blocking remote access, ensure that you keep your system and applications up to date. Regularly install security patches and updates. Here are a few additional tips:
- Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
- Install anti-malware software and keep it updated.
- Regularly back up important data.
Conclusion
Blocking remote desktop access on both Mac and PC is fundamental for ensuring your system remains secure against unauthorized access. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily disable these features and strengthen your security posture. Additionally, maintaining routine software updates, using strong passwords, and implementing multi-factor authentication will further safeguard your devices.