Remote Desktop Users Required to Connect Using VPN

Starting Tuesday, March 20, IT Services will block all Remote Desktop connection attempts. To access Remote Desktop from off campus, users must first establish a VPN connection at http://vpn.uark.edu.

Remote Desktop software is used to remotely access a computer from another location. Microsoft announced a vulnerability allowing an attacker full access to any unpatched computers with Remote Desktop enabled. This is a major security issue, and IT Services is taking steps to limit the threat to campus by enforcing the VPN recommendation issued in August 2011 (http://newswire.uark.edu/article.aspx?id=16670).

IT Services asks Windows users to immediately perform important updates at http://update.microsoft.com, specifically the Security Update mentioned at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2621440 (MS12-020).

Any department supporting Remote Desktop Gateway servers must register these servers with IT Services to obtain an exemption to the block. Create an AskIT case at http://askit.uark.edu.