Apple Remote Desktop Vulnerabilities

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Apple Remote Desktop Vulnerabilities

I want to access and control my home network Macs using Apple Remote Desktop. My understanding is that I have to open up on my router using port forwarding ports 5900 and 3283 to have full access. My concern is for any vulnerabilities I am creating when opening up those router ports. Can someone explain any concerns I should have and what I should do to minimize exposures? I figure for one I should have strong credentials for my Mac logins. I have three Macs in my home network - a MacBook Pro, a Mac mini and Mac mini M1. The controlling machine would be a MacBook Pro M1 that would likely be behind a workplace firewall and is secure. I also understand that I can only access one Mac at a time with port forwarding unless I assign and open up other ports for the second and third Macs.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Feb 20, 2023 4:33 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 22, 2023 12:18 PM in response to ianieto

There's always a risk whenever you open ports in your firewall. Having said that - as you're already aware - having strong passwords on target workstations is a must and should (potentially) alleviate the risk. If I was you and if it was practical in your situation I would use a VPN connection prior to using ARD.

One thing you don't mention is if you've a fixed IP address assigned by your ISP to your home network? This would be a lot easier establishing remote connections than messing around with noIP etc. A further potential 'gotcha' is your workplace network may not allow outgoing VNC connections? Unless you're the one in control of that network of course.

Everything else you've said sounds OK to me and good luck with your plan.

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Apple Remote Desktop Vulnerabilities

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