Port 3389: RDP
Port 3389 is RDP, Windows Remote Desktop. It is one of the most-attacked ports on the internet, so put it behind a VPN or gateway rather than exposing it directly.
TCPRemote accessUnencrypted by defaultIANA assigned
| Port number | 3389 |
|---|---|
| Service | Remote Desktop Protocol |
| Protocol | TCP |
| Category | Remote access |
| Default encryption | No |
Security note. Port 3389 is not encrypted by default. Restrict it to trusted networks, or use an encrypted alternative where one exists, to avoid exposing credentials and data in transit.
Frequently asked questions
What is port 3389 used for?
Port 3389 is RDP, Windows Remote Desktop. It is one of the most-attacked ports on the internet, so put it behind a VPN or gateway rather than exposing it directly.
Is port 3389 TCP or UDP?
Port 3389 (RDP) uses TCP.
Is port 3389 secure?
Port 3389 is not encrypted by default. Where possible, use an encrypted alternative or tunnel it over TLS or a VPN.
Should I open port 3389 on my firewall?
Only if you specifically need RDP. Expose it to the smallest set of trusted sources, and never open database or Windows-service ports to the whole internet.