[nzlug] How dangerous are open ports

[Sid Bachtiar]

> On 9/7/06, Johnathan <johnathan at orcon.net.nz> wrote:
> How difficult would it be then for said intruder to get into my
> computer through that open port (assuming here that they've found it
> open)??

If the program that is listening to the port has security holes, then
an intruder who knows these flaws can exploit them to gain more access
to your computer.

Or if the intruder is able to sniff the packets you're sending and
receiving while you're communication with your computer, then he/she
might be able to extract information (e.g.: login and password) to
gain more access to you computer.

When a port is open, it means a program is using that port to listen
for any data from the network.

It is a good idea to 'open' as few ports as possible, because
logically, the less 'opened' ports you have, the less ports you got to
be watchout for, and fewer 'doors' for intruders.

That's my understanding anyway.