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Antivirus, Firewall and Spyware Resources
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Port Scan - Check for Security HolesEvery computer has thousands of ports that are used as communication channels between the PC's applications and services that are required on a network. Ports are like little open doors that allow two or more applications to talk to each other. Your computer has 65537 ports that may be used for various types of communication and data exchange. Of these, only 1025 are commonly used and designated as "well known ports". All software applications require the use of ports in order to work, but the majority of ports are not used for anything, creating a potential security risk if left open. Quite often certain unneeded ports are left wide open by operating systems, browsers, and other installed applications, leaving the computer in a vulnerable state. Most software developers frequently issue patches, service packs and hot fixes when they discover an open port that creates a "security hole". Software updates will close these open doors, which is why it's so important to regularly update your computer. Hackers and malicious software applications take advantage of open ports to infiltrate your computer. Hackers use port scanners to test for open ports on computers connected to the internet, looking for a easy "door" to get into. Spyware, viruses and other types of malware utilize open ports to retrieve information, destroy data and corrupt operating systems. Since unneeded open ports represent the "unlocked back doors" into your computer, it's important to find these hidden doors and close them tight. There is no way to know which doors are open on your computer until you either fall victim to an intrusion or perform your own port scan. There is some good port scanning software available that can be used to periodically check your computer for open ports. Many online port scans are available as well. Once you learn what your computer vulnerabilities are by performing a port scan, you can then do something about it. Because a port scan is an invasive process, please use extreme caution when choosing the software or vendor you want to scan with. As with all things on the internet, there are many deceptive and unscrupulous websites that disguise spyware and malicious computer access as a helpful port scan. It is best to stay with well known security software developers for your port scan needs. Following are some recommended places to go for a port scan: Get a Port ScanPort Scanning Software
Online Port ScanWith an online port scan, your computer is accessed and scanned through your internet connection. If you have a hardware firewall in place, you may want to turn it off in order to see the results of the scan as it pertains to your computer's security status. If you have a hardware firewall, the scan will be affected by the firewalls settings, thus giving you a port scan status of your firewall instead of your computer. If using a software firewall, you might find it interesting to run two scans. Run one with your personal firewall on, and the next with it disabled. You will clearly see the value of your software firewall!
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