What are the security risks of using Remote Access? 1

[xproforme]

I've thought of offering a friend of mine remote assistance, but have not tried as of yet. Is the process safe to use over an Internet based connection. I understand that the feature has a great deal of potential, but is the information between the 2 PC's really secure. Is the data encrypted while in transit across the web? Theoredically, if the information is not encrypted then it could be intercepted by a third party right? Also, could a malicious hacker try to gain access to either of the PC's? My friend and both use a Firewall and Anti-Virus software, but will we both need to lower our' firewalls to allow access to each others computers? I know the practice is currently being used by communication companies to monitor and adjust FCC mandated regulations with broadcast transmission equipment and such, but even that is done only by qualifyied Engineering staff. I am curious about the basic concepts behind this home based feature on the XP platform. Thanks, L Pena in West Texas.

 

[bcastner]

It is not encrypted traffic unless you use a VPN connection.

Anything is possible.

If you look at the process for remote assistance, it is an offer to a specific IP, and the offer duration is completely under the control of the remote computer. This would be very difficult to spoof.

Finally, your firewalls need to allow traffic on port 3389 TCP.

 

[xproforme]

I also found another Tek-Tips forum covering this issue using it with other OS platforms. Port 3389 TCP has some minor issues with other Windows platforms, but I found nothing with security issues in XP. Firewall issues are critical nowadays, and anyone using the Internet without them is just plain vulnerable. I hope that others will post feedback with their' experience about using remote access, so other potential users will feel more comfortable about using the feature as well.