Atlas VPN Windows RDP allowlist setup
Atlas VPN Windows RDP allowlist setup
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) lets you control your Windows PC from another device over a network. While convenient, it also opens a potential security risk. Atlas VPN's RDP allowlist acts as a gatekeeper, limiting RDP access to specific IP addresses you trust. This adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized connections.
The RDP allowlist feature, available within the Atlas VPN Windows app, restricts which IP addresses can connect to your computer using RDP. Instead of allowing any connection, you create a list of approved IP addresses. If a device outside this list tries to connect via RDP, the connection is blocked. This significantly reduces the attack surface for potential exploits.
Consider enabling the RDP allowlist if:
You frequently use RDP to access your computer remotely.
You want an extra layer of security beyond a strong password.
You need to comply with security policies requiring restricted RDP access.
You connect from known, static IP addresses (e.g., your home or office).
It's less useful if you frequently connect from different, unknown IP addresses, as you'd need to constantly update the allowlist.
Setting up the Atlas VPN Windows RDP allowlist is straightforward:
Open the Atlas VPN app on your Windows PC.
Navigate to the "Settings" or "Preferences" section.
Look for "RDP Allowlist" or a similar security feature.
Enable the allowlist.
Add the IP addresses you want to allow. You'll need to know the public IP address of the device you'll be connecting from. You can usually find this by searching "what is my IP" on the connecting device.
Dynamic IP Addresses: If your connecting device has a dynamic IP address that changes periodically, you'll need to update the allowlist each time it changes. Some ISPs offer static IP addresses for an additional fee, which can simplify things.
Review Regularly: Periodically review your allowlist to remove any outdated or unnecessary entries.
Logging: Check if Atlas VPN provides logs of blocked RDP connection attempts. This can help you identify potential threats.
The RDP allowlist enhances security, but it's not foolproof. A determined attacker might still find ways to bypass it. It's crucial to use strong passwords and keep your system updated with the latest security patches. Atlas VPN, like other VPN providers, typically logs some user activity for operational purposes. Review Atlas VPN's privacy policy to understand what data is collected and how it's used. The RDP allowlist itself doesn't directly impact Atlas VPN's data collection practices, but it's always good to be informed.