atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Computers & Programming Computers, Software, Accessories port scan attack

What is a port scan attack and what can be done to avoid it. I have never had it happen on this site but on another tech site it has happened several times and I no longer log on there. Thanks
JBW

Port scanning is when someone scans your IP address looking for any open ports to dump some kind of virus, trojan horse, ect on your system to hijack it.
Make sure you don't have any unneccesary ports open. You should be behind a firewall and only open the ports needed through the firewall. And password protect any of those that are open.
You can search the web for sites that will scan your system and tell you what ports are open. Just search port scanning test.
Definitly you need a firewall if not already installed.!!!

i'd at least turn on the xp firewall (if running xp)

zonealarm is free
https://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm/3000-2092-10324064.html?tag=lst-0-1

if you're behind some sort of router, it will usually block most ports.

go here for a port scan of your machine. click on the shields up
https://www.grc.com/default.htm


[This message has been edited by chrislebeck (edited October 05, 2004).]

Thanks for the info guys. Chris, I ran the test you referred to and my machine passed all tests. What I am seeing is a message saying port scan attack logged but my computer does not respond to their pings so my firewall is doing it's job.
Thanks again
Joe

IMHO..get a router. Just a suggestion.