Unneeded Ports

cbspike85 · 09-13-2007, 10:08 PM

Hi, I'm just looking to make my computer less vulnerable to attacks. Can anybody tell me, for sure, what ports I can close to be more secure, yet at the same time without disrupting any needed services. I use the basic functions (ie. Internet, Printer, I have one other computer hooked up to my network, cdroms, etc.). I was recently found out that Windows keeps all ports open for ease of use - even though you only use a handful of them - which why Windows is so vulnerable to attack. Thanks in advance for any advice.

**Cellus** · 09-14-2007, 12:11 PM

What you are looking for is a Personal Firewall. For the basics, you can use Windows Firewall included with Windows XP.

For other Personal Firewalls, which include additional security with outbound traffic protection and so forth, our security team recommends COMODO Firewall Pro, Sygate Personal Firewall, and ZoneAlarm. For more information, take a look at our PC Safety and Security thread in General Computer Security.

johnwill · 09-14-2007, 01:22 PM

Actually, XP's firewall closes all ports by default, and offers the same functionality as most broadband router NAT firewalls.

09-13-2007, 10:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
cbspike85 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 21 OS: WinXP	Unneeded Ports Hi, I'm just looking to make my computer less vulnerable to attacks. Can anybody tell me, for sure, what ports I can close to be more secure, yet at the same time without disrupting any needed services. I use the basic functions (ie. Internet, Printer, I have one other computer hooked up to my network, cdroms, etc.). I was recently found out that Windows keeps all ports open for ease of use - even though you only use a handful of them - which why Windows is so vulnerable to attack. Thanks in advance for any advice.

09-14-2007, 12:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
Cellus Moderator Networking Team Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,633 OS: Windows Vista Business SP1, Windows XP Professional SP3 My System	Re: Unneeded Ports What you are looking for is a Personal Firewall. For the basics, you can use Windows Firewall included with Windows XP. For other Personal Firewalls, which include additional security with outbound traffic protection and so forth, our security team recommends COMODO Firewall Pro, Sygate Personal Firewall, and ZoneAlarm. For more information, take a look at our PC Safety and Security thread in General Computer Security. __________________ TSF Networking Team HijackThis 5 Step Process Donate!

09-14-2007, 01:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 32,581 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Unneeded Ports Actually, XP's firewall closes all ports by default, and offers the same functionality as most broadband router NAT firewalls. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience