Connecting to Remote Desktop thru Secure Shell

In this short tutorial, I’m going to try to explain how to connect to a remote desktop (RD) connection inside a secure network by using secure shell (ssh) and port forwarding. There are many reasons you would want to use this method, including:

  • Reduces the number of ports you need open to the internet
  • Allows for a secure, encrypted connection to RD

Before you start, I’m going to make a few assumptions.

  1. You have a working ssh server inside your network
  2. You can connect to your ssh server from outside your network
  3. Your ssh server allows port forwarding (most do I believe)
  4. You have PuTTY downloaded to your system (download it from here)
  5. You are running a windows system that has the RD client installed (usually located under Programs -> Accessories -> Communications -> Remote Desktop Connection)

The first step is to set up PuTTY

  1. Run the PuTTY executable
  2. Fill in the Host Name or IP Address for your server
  3. I also recommend that you add a session name in the Saved Sessions text box so don’t have to fill in all your information again.

I will completely this later…when I have time.

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