VPN vs. RDP: Understanding the Key Differences

Regarding secure remote access, two popular technologies come into play – VPN (virtual private network) and RDP (remote desktop protocol). 

The solutions differ in several ways. This can impact their suitability for specific use cases. There is a clear contrast between them: 

• RDP provides remote access to a computer or device
• VPN allows access to secure networks

In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between VPN and RDP and help you choose the right technology for your needs. 

What is a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that allows you to control a computer remotely from another device. Essentially, it creates a virtual connection between two computers, enabling you to see and interact with the remote computer’s desktop as if you were sitting in front of it.

What Is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is like a secure tunnel that allows you to access the internet privately and securely. 

The Pros & Cons of VPN

Here are the pros and cons of using VPNs.

VPN Advantages

A VPN connection has several advantages. Here they are at a glance:

• Creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, providing greater security and privacy than a traditional RDP connection
• It can be used to access resources on a remote network, such as a server, making it a more versatile tool than RDP.
• It is typically faster than an RDP connection, as it uses less bandwidth
• Allows you to access resources from any device, regardless of the operating system, making it more convenient than RDP

There are, however, some disadvantages to VPNs:

VPN Disadvantages

There is a disadvantage to using a VPN for RDP access instead of a dedicated RDP solution. Mainly, they might not provide the same level of security as a dedicated RDP solution.

Having said that, RDP is not as secure as a VPN because it can be monitored by your ISP and it requires you to have a specific IP address.

The Pros & Cons of RDP

Here are the pros and cons of using RDP.

RDP Advantages

Likewise, there are also many benefits to using RDP over a VPN for secure remote access. Here they are:

RDP is:

• More secure than a VPN because it uses multi-factor authentication and encryption

RDP Disadvantages

But, while RDP provides some advantages for remote access, there are also several disadvantages to consider.

RDP:

• Requires installation of special software on the remote computer, which can be a hassle for remote users.

Overall, VPNs tend to be more dependable and offer better performance than RDP.

How to Decide if You Need a VPN or an RDP

Choosing between a VPN and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for secure remote access depends on your specific needs and the nature of your data. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

VPN

• Ideal for: Accessing sensitive data, securing public Wi-Fi connections, bypassing geo-restrictions, and enhancing privacy.
• Pros: Encrypts all data transmitted, offers strong security features, allows multiple users to connect, scalable for larger organizations.
• Cons: Can be more complex to set up than RDP, may impact internet speed, requires a monthly subscription.

RDP

• Ideal for: Accessing a specific computer remotely, managing servers, and working with applications installed on a remote machine.
• Pros: Relatively simple to set up, provides direct access to the remote computer, generally faster than VPNs.
• Cons: Less secure than VPNs, susceptible to security risks if not properly configured, limited to one user at a time, less scalable for large groups.

Key Considerations

• Data Sensitivity: If you’re accessing sensitive data like financial records, medical information, or confidential business documents, a VPN is essential for encryption and protection.
• Number of Users: If multiple users need remote access, a VPN is generally more suitable for its scalability and user management capabilities.
• Speed and Performance: If you require fast and reliable connectivity, RDP might be preferable, though VPNs can impact internet speed depending on the server and your secure connection.
• Security Needs: VPNs offer stronger security measures, including encryption and authentication, making them a more robust choice for sensitive data and environments.
• Cost: VPNs often come with a monthly subscription fee, while RDP is typically built into operating systems.

ZTNA: Better than both VPN and RDP

There are several reasons why Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is better than both VPN and RDP for secure remote access:

• ZTNA uses a “zero trust” security model, meaning all users are treated as untrusted by default. This approach to security is more effective at stopping cyber threats than the model used by VPNs and RDPs.
• ZTNA is much easier to use than either VPN or RDP. Users simply need to install a piece of software on their device and then authenticate with their usual credentials (e.g., username and password). 

Check Point’s SASE: A Ready-Made ZTNA Solution

Check Point goes beyond the limitations of a legacy VPN and RDP to provide Zero Trust Network solutions that can offer complete peace of mind to business owners. With a global backbone of over 50+ data centers and an edge presence, enterprises from all sectors can depend on Check Point for cost-effective remote network security access. 

VPNs may provide adequate security for on-prem resources, but only Zero Trust solutions offer the user-based access rules required for true cloud security.

Here’s why:

• ZTNA is user-centric and segments the corporate network, and enforces logins through major identity providers.
• ZTNA is integrated with all on-prem and cloud resources or services for full visibility.
• ZTNA is at the cloud’s edge and can deploy private VPN gateways worldwide, providing remote workers with fast access.

Why CISOs choose Check Point’s ZTNA for their IT teams:

Complete peace of mind: With Check Point’s Zero Trust Network Access, organizations can be confident that access to their data, critical applications, and infrastructure is secure without the expensive orchestration, maintenance, or hardware of legacy solutions.

The lowered total cost of operation: Orchestrating a tall stack of solutions to achieve security requires extensive maintenance, management, and overhead that our unified SaaS eliminates.

Holistic security capabilities: When IT can access more functionality with fewer tools, security improves, and human error diminishes. Equip your IT team with everything in one cloud panel.