critical error found by running symantic security scan

[Guest]

the critical error said that i run the risk from hackers as i have an open
port and this port should only be open if i have an ftp server. what does
all this mean? i am not computer savvy, but this message scares me. i
looked at my windows firewall advanced settings and yes i do have an ftp
server. should i be worried about this critical error message?

trish

 

[David H. Lipman]

From: "trishm" <[email protected]>

| the critical error said that i run the risk from hackers as i have an open
| port and this port should only be open if i have an ftp server. what does
| all this mean? i am not computer savvy, but this message scares me. i
| looked at my windows firewall advanced settings and yes i do have an ftp
| server. should i be worried about this critical error message?
|
| trish


It means tha TCP port 21 (File Transfer protocol - FTP) was found to be open and if you are
unaware that it is or it is unsecured, your system is "At Risk".

 

[Steven L Umbach]

Unless you specifically want to allow others access to an FTP server on your
computer then delete the exception for FTP and scan your computer for
spyware and malware to see if anyone has installed a FTP server on your
computer. This is also one of the reasons that I HIGHLY recommend that
anyone with a cable or DSL connection use an internet router as the first
line of defense for their network. These devices from the likes of Linksys,
Netgear, and D-Link are dirt cheap and will protect your network from what
has happened on your computer. Malware, spyware, and user intervention can
all modify settings for software or host firewalls. You can also use the
command netstat -anp tcp to see if port 21 is listening or established on
your computer under local address column which is used by FTP.

Steve