Port Forwarding

allochthonous · 09-08-2007, 07:45 AM

If I open ports on my router (Netgear VPN824) via port forwarding and port triggering for games, remote assistance, vnc, etc, does this leave me open for attack through these ports? Does my software firewall (Windows) protect me from such attacks.

I would like to set up some programs to work through my router, but have been apprehensive due to security concerns.

Any opinion on http://www.portforward.com? Seems to have a lot of good router config info.

PK

**johnwill** · 09-08-2007, 09:16 AM

When you open ports, obviously you're opening access. OTOH, there is no other way to handle many functions, such as the ones you mention. Good AV and anti-spyware protection is key to preventing any issues.

I'm a fan of the PortForward site, lots of good info there.

09-08-2007, 07:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
allochthonous Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 62 OS: XP	Port Forwarding If I open ports on my router (Netgear VPN824) via port forwarding and port triggering for games, remote assistance, vnc, etc, does this leave me open for attack through these ports? Does my software firewall (Windows) protect me from such attacks. I would like to set up some programs to work through my router, but have been apprehensive due to security concerns. Any opinion on http://www.portforward.com? Seems to have a lot of good router config info. PK

09-08-2007, 09:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,607 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Port Forwarding When you open ports, obviously you're opening access. OTOH, there is no other way to handle many functions, such as the ones you mention. Good AV and anti-spyware protection is key to preventing any issues. I'm a fan of the PortForward site, lots of good info there. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience