Port scans on my computer?
Posted 01/10/2011 - 17:20
Link
No. If you firewall is detecting it then you don't need to worry.
Posted 01/10/2011 - 17:30
Link
It's better to be told by your firewall that it's blocked, than not have a firewall and never be told!
A port scan is when someone tries to find an 'open' port to exploit on your firewall to allow access to your network or PC and is usually run against thousands of external ip addresses rather than just you personally - eventually something will be found.
It's quite basic and virtually all home routers and firewalls will recognise this and block it.
Nothing to worry about.
A port scan is when someone tries to find an 'open' port to exploit on your firewall to allow access to your network or PC and is usually run against thousands of external ip addresses rather than just you personally - eventually something will be found.
It's quite basic and virtually all home routers and firewalls will recognise this and block it.
Nothing to worry about.
Posted 01/10/2011 - 17:33
Link
I seem to be getting the consistently a few minutes apart whenever I am online?
I thought these where hackers probing for weaknesses, if so there are an awfull lot of hackers, or some incredibly persistent ones.
Ah,
I see woodworm has answered this point.
Cheers Gents.
Davex.
I thought these where hackers probing for weaknesses, if so there are an awfull lot of hackers, or some incredibly persistent ones.
Ah,
I see woodworm has answered this point.
Cheers Gents.
Davex.
Posted 01/10/2011 - 17:47
Link
Just to be clear - your firewall is telling you it's blocking incoming ports not outgoing?
It may be worth letting us know which software firewall you use on your PC and whether you connect to the internet by router or usb modem? Routers usually have their own integrated firewall where a modem doesn't.
By the way - the Leopard photo in your flickr is brilliant, I've only been on one safari (Zambia) and it was definitely the greatest experience ever!
It may be worth letting us know which software firewall you use on your PC and whether you connect to the internet by router or usb modem? Routers usually have their own integrated firewall where a modem doesn't.
By the way - the Leopard photo in your flickr is brilliant, I've only been on one safari (Zambia) and it was definitely the greatest experience ever!
Posted 01/10/2011 - 18:02
Link
Quote:
By the way - the Leopard photo in your flickr is brilliant
By the way - the Leopard photo in your flickr is brilliant
Thank you Woodworm, that particular shot was taken from a jeep as we where heading out to try and find a cheetah, totally unexpected.
I have a BT Hub v2, it connects wirelessly to 2 computers both on windows 7, both with wireless cards. the firewall is bitdefender on both of them. Both computers report port scans frequently, although it seems to have gone quiet in the last 20 minutes.
Davex
Posted 01/10/2011 - 18:13
Link
I would have thought your BT Home Hub would have stopped it, is it possible it's your PC's trying to talk to each other that is being blocked as they wouldn't be blocked by the router.
Posted 01/10/2011 - 19:27
Link
Try to run Gibson Shields-Up:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
by clicking the proceed button.
It is basically a port scanner working for you that detects open ports - representing potential vulnerabilities - on your router.
If your external ports pass the test, you may have a malware problem inside your network.
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
by clicking the proceed button.
It is basically a port scanner working for you that detects open ports - representing potential vulnerabilities - on your router.
If your external ports pass the test, you may have a malware problem inside your network.
Posted 01/10/2011 - 21:14
Link
Buy a Mac....sorted !
Posted 01/10/2011 - 21:42
Link
A Mac won't protect you against port scanning or phishing though...
Providing your system passes the "Shields Up" tests then you've nothing to worry about, it's just like an opportunist thief trying every car door as they walk along a road. If all the doors are locked they'll keep walking.
Providing your system passes the "Shields Up" tests then you've nothing to worry about, it's just like an opportunist thief trying every car door as they walk along a road. If all the doors are locked they'll keep walking.
Matt
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Posted 04/10/2011 - 09:07
Link
Quote:
A Mac won't protect you against port scanning or phishing though...
A Mac won't protect you against port scanning or phishing though...
Or, indeed, more sophisitcated malware:
link
It's just that there are more Windows PCs on the web, which makes them a more appealing target because 'successful' malware on Windows PCs has a bigger target market as it were and is therefore more profitable for the bad guys.
This means that Windows malware is much more prolific, but mainly due to the fact that not so many people are interested in attacking Macs.
Posted 04/10/2011 - 17:23
Link
Also worth remembering that Macs now run a Linux/Unix clone OS. These tend to be more secure for two reasons - virus writers know there are more Windows users about (who are often easier to dupe because they just "want a computer" and bought whatever seemed a reasonable price at PC World but don't have a clue how to do anything other than use Internet Exploder and Word).
A Linux box also requires a password to install anything or make major changes, while this won't protect the "special" users who download and install everything in sight it will protect you from attempts by software to sidle in after you unwittingly visit an infected site.
A Linux box also requires a password to install anything or make major changes, while this won't protect the "special" users who download and install everything in sight it will protect you from attempts by software to sidle in after you unwittingly visit an infected site.
Matt
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Posted 05/10/2011 - 15:51
Link
Dangermouse wrote:
Also worth remembering that Macs now run a Linux/Unix clone OS. These tend to be more secure for two reasons - virus writers know there are more Windows users about (who are often easier to dupe because they just "want a computer" and bought whatever seemed a reasonable price at PC World but don't have a clue how to do anything other than use Internet Exploder and Word).
A Linux box also requires a password to install anything or make major changes, while this won't protect the "special" users who download and install everything in sight it will protect you from attempts by software to sidle in after you unwittingly visit an infected site.
Also worth remembering that Macs now run a Linux/Unix clone OS. These tend to be more secure for two reasons - virus writers know there are more Windows users about (who are often easier to dupe because they just "want a computer" and bought whatever seemed a reasonable price at PC World but don't have a clue how to do anything other than use Internet Exploder and Word).
A Linux box also requires a password to install anything or make major changes, while this won't protect the "special" users who download and install everything in sight it will protect you from attempts by software to sidle in after you unwittingly visit an infected site.
Which is why I'm bringing my kids up on a diet of Ubuntu good! Windows bad!!
(Of course, trying to get them to use Ubuntu is a none starter because"It looks different!" Kids eh!)
Getting there! Thanks to you guys
Pentax K3ii, Pentax K10d, Kit lens ( 18-55mm ), 50mm f1.7 lens, Tamron 70-300mm lens, Prinzflex 70-162 manual lens, Various old flashes.
Pentax K3ii, Pentax K10d, Kit lens ( 18-55mm ), 50mm f1.7 lens, Tamron 70-300mm lens, Prinzflex 70-162 manual lens, Various old flashes.
Posted 05/10/2011 - 17:20
Link
Same problem you have with everyone really!
A properly set up Ubuntu box is no harder to use than Windows, in many ways it's easier. However, it looks different and apparently this activates a mindset of "can't use this and won't learn how to no matter how many times you explain it" with a certain sort of user! All you need to do is read the menus and use a bit of common sense, it's much simpler than some things which the same people are doubtless quite happy with.
I have more trouble with Windows changing stuff arbitrarily (especially those "personalised menus" and XP's habit of deleting half your desktop icons unless you rummage through the settings to tell it not to).
I have seen opposition to adopting Linux in schools because M$ software is "industry standard"...while the exam syllabus stresses the importance of using proper terms such as word processor instead of brand names like Word! The students are just as likely to encounter a Mac or Linux in the workplace, trapping them on planet Windows does them no favours.
A properly set up Ubuntu box is no harder to use than Windows, in many ways it's easier. However, it looks different and apparently this activates a mindset of "can't use this and won't learn how to no matter how many times you explain it" with a certain sort of user! All you need to do is read the menus and use a bit of common sense, it's much simpler than some things which the same people are doubtless quite happy with.
I have more trouble with Windows changing stuff arbitrarily (especially those "personalised menus" and XP's habit of deleting half your desktop icons unless you rummage through the settings to tell it not to).
I have seen opposition to adopting Linux in schools because M$ software is "industry standard"...while the exam syllabus stresses the importance of using proper terms such as word processor instead of brand names like Word! The students are just as likely to encounter a Mac or Linux in the workplace, trapping them on planet Windows does them no favours.
Matt
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Add Comment
To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.
1432 posts
16 years
Chester,
U.K.
Should I be worried?
Davex.
Please feel free to play with any images I post.
My flickr: link