How secure is Windows Remote Desktop Connection?

"I'm not familiar with your situation at work, you may not be at liberty to install any remote control software, so, if you're stuck with RDP you can indeed use it with Windows XP Home.

While Windows XP Home does not support RDP by default, it is not entirely impossible:

Install and Enable Remote Desktop in Windows XP Home Edition

Note: after this you will not be able to apply any new service packs (in the unlikely event that MS will release XP SP4 :)

If you you can use any software you want at work, I recommend Teamviewer. Install Teamviewer Host on your home computer and use Teamviewer Portable (from a USB Stick if necessary) to access your computer from work (or anywhere else).

Teamviewer is free for personal use."

"Windows XP Pro does indeed support RDP (as a server!) and this is what I used to successfully remote into my desktop for a few years now.

A strong password to access your PC is a must of course as you'll be effectively exposing that port to the outside world. Man in the middle attacks where someone is sniffing data going back and forth between you and the remote session is prevented by encryption.

See this article for more detailed information"