I'm looking for alternatives to ConnectWise for remote desktop access because my IT person is really wary of leaving port 3389 open, even though it's restricted by IP. I understand their concern, but I'm finding that the "Remember Me" timeout on ConnectWise is too short. Since I use multiple devices, the repeated login process slows me down.
1. Is there a way to extend the timeout?
2. If I can't use RDP, what are some other remote desktop solutions that aren't ConnectWise? Ideally, I'd like something affordable, or even a free option if possible. I'm connecting to a Windows server from both Windows and Linux clients.
5 Answers
Using a VPN to connect to your trusted network can help you RDP securely without exposing port 3389 to the outside. You might also want to consider setting up a Remote Desktop Gateway to keep your connections safer.
It’s worth noting that you might not be using the full capabilities of ConnectWise. If you’re not using ScreenConnect, that could be an option to check out for your remote access needs.
If you're trying to access a server over the internet, it’s a huge security risk to keep port 3389 open. Instead, look into various remote management tools out there—there are plenty that offer safe alternatives.
Just a heads up—it's usually best to avoid working directly on a server's GUI. For Windows, RSAT allows you to manage services without needing to access the GUI often. It’s a more secure practice overall.
We use RDP through a TailScale VPN for secure remote access. It uses MS 365 for authentication along with DUO for two-factor authentication. This setup seems to provide a really secure way to connect!
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