Why Network Level Authentication is Essential for RDP?

In today’s interconnected world, remote access to computers and networks has become a critical component of modern business operations.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a widely used technology that enables users to connect to another computer over a network connection. However, with the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, securing RDP connections has never been more important. This is where

Network Level Authentication (NLA) comes into play, serving as a crucial security measure for RDP connections.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why NLA is essential for RDP and how it enhances your overall network security

What is NLA in Remote Desktop?

A network-level authentication is a tool used for authenticating in the remote desktop services or Remote desktop connection. NLA is for assuring security while connecting the desktop remotely.

If one successfully authenticates, then it will allow connecting, otherwise, it will revert to the connection. The unauthorized user then cannot access the CPU resources, so it also offers Denial of Service (DoS) attacks before the remote session.

For this authentication, you must have NLA enabled on your desktop and then NLA will check the credentials of the client using a client-side security support provider. The user cannot connect unless he passes the authentication process.

Network-level authentication is best for those who want to restrict the connections. It makes the remote access process secure and protects your system from malicious attacks.

For NLA, the requirements are:

• The client must use the OS that supports Credential Security support providers like Windows 7, Windows XP, or Windows Vista.
• The host server should run on Windows Server 2008 or 2008 R2.

What Does Network Level Authentication Do?

So, after reading about what NLA is? What is NLA in remote desktop? You might think about what does NLA does. Here are some primary functions of Network Level authentication:

• It will display a prompt message to authenticate before a remote desktop connection.
• It provides security while connecting clients with the remote desktop.
• It checks the client’s credentials and approves them if allowed.
• Restricts the users and does not share full access to everyone. This avoids strangers entering the lobby.
• Users cannot join with expired passwords.

Why Network Level Authentication Matters for RDP?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a widely used method for accessing computers and servers from a remote location. While RDP provides the convenience of remote access, it also poses significant security risks if not properly secured. Here’s why Network Level Authentication is essential for RDP:

1. Enhanced Security

One of the primary reasons Network Level Authentication is crucial for RDP is its role in enhancing security. NLA requires users to provide their credentials before a remote desktop session is established. This pre-authentication step reduces the window of opportunity for potential attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in the RDP service.

Without NLA, attackers could potentially initiate an RDP connection and then attempt to guess or brute-force credentials. By enforcing NLA, you limit access to the remote desktop environment until the user’s credentials have been verified, thus reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

2. Protection Against Brute Force Attacks

Brute force attacks involve systematically trying various combinations of usernames and passwords until the correct one is found.

If RDP is not protected by NLA, attackers can exploit the RDP service by attempting numerous credential combinations. This type of attack can be automated and is particularly dangerous if strong passwords or other security measures are not in place.

With Network Level Authentication, the authentication process occurs before the remote session is fully established. This means that brute force attacks are less effective because the attacker must first pass the NLA authentication step.

By enforcing strong authentication before granting access, NLA helps in mitigating the risk of brute force attacks.

3. Minimized Attack Surface

Network Level Authentication helps minimize the attack surface of your RDP service.

The attack surface refers to the various points where an attacker can try to exploit vulnerabilities. By requiring authentication before a remote session is established, NLA reduces the number of potential attack vectors available to malicious actors.

In essence, NLA limits exposure by ensuring that only authenticated users can interact with the RDP service. This added layer of security helps in protecting your systems and data from unauthorized access.

4. Integration with Group Policies

Network Level Authentication can be managed through Group Policies in Windows environments.

Group Policies allow administrators to enforce security settings across multiple computers in a network. By configuring NLA through Group Policies, organizations can ensure that all remote desktop connections adhere to security best practices.

Administrators can set policies to enforce NLA across the organization, making it easier to manage and maintain security standards. This centralized management approach helps in maintaining a consistent security posture and reduces the risk of misconfigurations.

5. Compatibility with Modern Security Practices

Network Level Authentication is compatible with modern security practices and technologies. For instance, NLA can work in conjunction with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification factors beyond just a password.

Integrating NLA with MFA can significantly enhance the security of RDP connections. By combining these security measures, organizations can better protect against various types of cyber threats, including phishing attempts and credential theft.

Enable Network Level Authentication

1. Enable Network Level Authentication Windows 2008 R2

The steps to enable network-level authentication in windows 2008 R2 are:

1. Open Administrator Windows power shell
2. Type credit for switching to Local group policy editor.
3. Once you are in LGPE, go to computer configuration, then navigate in this way:
4. Administrative Templates
5. Windows Components
6. Remote desktop services
7. Remote Desktop Session Host
8. Security
9. Search for “require user authentication for remote connections by using Network Level Authentication,” and double click on it.
10. Choose Enable option and save the changes.

2. Enable Network Level Authentication Windows 10

To configure the Network-level authentication in windows 10 while hosting a session, follow these steps:

1. Run Remote desktop Host Server
2. Go to its configuration by clicking on start, move to Administrative tools then remote desktop services. Here you will find an option of Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration, point to it.
3. Navigate to the properties by right-clicking on the name of the connection
4. Check the “Allow connections only from a computer running remotely with network-level authentication,” in the general tab.
5. Once you complete these steps, follow the steps of group policy setting mentioned in the above section.
6. Then press OK.

Network Level Authentication and Group Policy

For organizations managing multiple Windows computers, implementing NLA through Group Policy Object (GPO) can be an efficient way to ensure consistent security settings across the network. Here’s how you can use GPO to enable NLA:

1. Open the Group Policy Management Console
2. Create a new GPO or edit an existing one
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Security
4. Enable the setting “Require user authentication for remote connections by using Network Level Authentication”

By using GPO, you can enforce NLA across your entire Windows network, ensuring that all RDP connections are protected by this essential security feature.

How to Enable Remote Desktop Windows 10?

First, provide access to the specific accounts and then follow these steps to allow the use of a Remote desktop connection.

1. Start Control panel
2. Point to System and security
3. Click on Allow remote access under the system heading.
4. Move to select the user and add using myLSU ID.
5. Press Ok and finish.
6. Once you finish this, you can perform the steps for enabling network-level authentication and your remote desktop sharing is ready.

How Do I Disable NLA on a Remote Computer?

There are several ways of disabling Network-level authentication. We have discussed some of them are:

Method 01: Disable NLA Using Properties.

1. Click Windows and R, type sysdm.cpl, and enter. It will redirect you to system properties.
2. Move to remote tab
3. Uncheck “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended)”.
4. Finally, Apply changes.

Method 02: Disable NLA Using Registry

1. Again, click Windows and R, type Regedit in the prompted dialog box and enter. It will take you to the registry editor.
2. Go to file, then connect network registry. Add details and connect.
3. When you establish a connection navigate to this path: HKLM >SYSTEM> Current Control Set > Control > terminal Server > Win Stations > RDP-TCP
4. Alter the valuer of the Security Layer and User authentication to 0.
5. Switch to Power Shell, type restart-computer command, and execute it.

Method 03: Disable NLA Using Power Shell

1. Press Windows and S, type power shell and run this command as administrator. It will launch Power Shell.
2. As soon as you redirect to Power Shell, execute this command:

$TargetMachine = “Target-Machine-Name”

(Get-WmiObject -Cclass “Win32_TSGeneralSetting” – Namespac root\cimv2\terminalServices-ComputerName $TargetMachine – filter “TerminalName =’RDP-tcp”) .SetUserAuthenticationRequired (0)

Conclusion

Network Level Authentication is an essential security feature for Remote Desktop Protocol connections. By requiring users to authenticate before establishing a connection, NLA significantly enhances the security of RDP sessions, protecting against various types of attacks and unauthorized access attempts.

From its implementation in Windows 10 to its deployment through Group Policy, NLA offers a robust and flexible solution for securing remote desktop connections. While it may present some compatibility challenges, the security benefits far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

Remember, in the world of cybersecurity, authentication is not just a step – it’s a shield, and NLA is one of the strongest shields available for RDP.

To learn more about securing your network, visit our articles on network vulnerability assessments and network segmentation