Remote Desktop

[qbunnie]

Remote desktop is relatively secure so long as your windows account is password protected. Some ports will always be open. Using AIM, playing games, log me in, all open up ports, mostly without you knowing it. So just because you open a port doesn't mean your credit card number will be immediately stolen. Just make sure you have to enter a password and you should be OK. Here's how I look at it:
Yes, a hacker can get into my computer easier than somebody who has all but the most essential ports firewalled.
That same hacker can get into SOOOO many other people's computer soooo much easier. Namely those people who don't have a firewall at all. Of which there are plenty, I'm sure.
So why would he waste his time hacking a mediocre security setting like a password?
Def. not for a challenge, there are bigger fish for that too.
Also, if you were wondering, the reason you have to open a port for remote desktop is because the signal to establish a connection is from the outside coming in. When you do all those other things, the signal to establish a connection is from the inside going out. Thus your router/firewall gets a signal from inside you network (which it by default considers secure) and automatically opens that port as long as you use it. Outside your network is considered not secure, and your router/firewall will ignore any signals unless you manually open a port.
Finally, a somewhat more secure method would be to put time restrictions on when the port is open, an option on many routers. Like while you are at work, so the port is closed when you are at home and don't need it.