Open ports

[BlueRose_76 0]

nOOOOb alert:

After some recent virus problems i thougt it was the time to get more informed. Virus scans and trojan sweeps werent enough; a trojan (well, seems to me) keeps coming over and over again.

In my quest for ubersecurity i finally arrived at the chapter of the port. Did some (online) portscanning and tada; some were invincible, some closed, and a couple were open. Now i understand the definitions very well. Invicible; good, closed; ok, open; not good.

One thing i dont understand is how to get the opened closed, or better invincible. I know it has to do with the progs you running and the configuration of the OS itself. But then my knowledge stops and all found information become hocus pocus tralalala. To make a long story short:

How To Control Your Ports?

If anyone can help, or can direct me to information in I-Am-Stupid-I-Am-Dump language, a big thanks!

Specs:

P4/1.8

W2000pro, SP4

Sygate personal firewall recently, before ZA

AVG virusscan

Using all thinkable programs that communicates through the net

Can provide more info if needed

Edited November 1, 2003 by BlueRose_76

[WhiteKnight77 1]

If you don't have a hardware firewall, get the free version of Zone Alarm and install it. It will make everything ask for permission to access the net and keep everyone else out.

[BlueRose_76 0]

I did, for a month ago i switched to Sygate, which also ask for permission for accessing.

Still than, and now, some ports remain open. And it shoud be the firewall that has to protect that, if im correct.

Edited November 1, 2003 by BlueRose_76

[Dark Ranger 0]

I would highly recommend a Hardware Firewall, BlueRose.

In my experience, software firewalls can be more of a pain, due to the configuring special access rules and such. I was running Norton Internet Security 2003 for awhile, but finally dumped it due to the time I spent configuring rules. I would get pop-ups quite often, prompting me about this rule modification, or that special access exception.

Finally did what I should have done up front - purchased a hardware firewall. Took me all of 10 minutes to hook it up, and configure a couple ports. Set it, and forget it. I haven't had one intrusion, malicious script, or crack since then. Remember MSBlast? Never touched me.

With my Hardware Firewall, harmful code cannot even get to my computer, in contrast to software firewalls. Think about it. The crack attempt, or malicious script, has to actually get to your computer, before the software starts taking appropriate measures in blocking access.

Just my opinion, but you can get a decent router for around $45USD, such as this one.

[Urban_Tiger 0]

In case ya not in a position to get a HW Firewall too (which as said would be best if ya can).....

Otherwise.....Tell us which of ya Ports aren't Closed or Stealthed and may be able to direct you to some info on stealthing them or closing them completely depending on their use etc !!!

[BlueRose_76 0]

Thanks for reply.

@Ranger:

As greedy as i am, i hoped (free) firewalls would do. As you said all advanced users recommend a hardware firewall. Its a family computer so maybe i can get my father a couple of euros lighter...

@Tiger:

Thanks for offering help. When im on the mentioned computer i'll post them