As the world gets more connected we tend to store more and more valuable data on our devices so the importance of good cybersecurity also increases, but unfortunately, most people take a relaxed approach to cybersecurity. The “she’ll be right attitude” is what gets people into trouble, including the technical people who should know better. But as technology continues to advance, so do the threats to our personal and professional information. One area for IT-proficient people to be concerned about is opening ports and port forwarding.
On a router, it’s not uncommon to dive into it and open a port to allow traffic into your network or forward a port to host a game server on a dedicated device but opening ports and port forwarding can be dangerous because it allows external connections to a device or network. When you open a port, you’re essentially creating a direct pathway for anyone on the internet to access your device. While this might be necessary in some cases, such as running a server or hosting a website, it also leaves you vulnerable to attacks.
Hackers can use open ports to gain access to your network, steal sensitive data, install malware, or even take control of your devices. Once they’re in, they can cause all sorts of havoc, from disrupting your operations to stealing your customers’ data. The consequences can be severe, including financial losses, damage to your reputation, and legal liabilities.
One of the most common ways that hackers exploit open ports is through port scanning. This technique involves scanning a range of IP addresses to identify open ports and vulnerable devices. Once they find an open port, they can launch an attack, such as a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack or a ransomware attack.
Port forwarding, on the other hand, is a technique used to direct incoming traffic from one port to another. It’s often used to allow remote access to a device, such as a security camera or a gaming console. While it can be useful in some cases, it also opens up a potential security risk. If a hacker can access the forwarded port, they can use it to gain access to the device or network.
If you need to poke holes in a firewall you need to make sure that you aren’t opening the entire network up to risk. Too often people open ports on their router temporarily but unfortunately forget about it meaning that it turns into a permanent security risk.
Another big problem with most consumer routers is that the firewalls don’t notify you of any abnormal activity on the network, this can lead to hackers sitting on your network for months or years at a time remaining undetected waiting for that valuable bit of information to land in their lap.
Opening ports and port forwarding can be dangerous if not done carefully. It’s important to take steps to secure your devices and network to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
