netbios port vulnerability

[Jackie Valletutti]

hi,

In doing a port scan I got the message:

Open and Unsecure!
139 (Net BIOS)

Having the NetBIOS port accessible to the Internet is
very dangerous. Check your firewall configuration or
install McAfee.com Personal Firewall if you have not
already done so.

I do not currently have a firewall. I am in the process
of networking my home, so will eventually. In the mean
time, does anyone have any suggestions on how to make my
netbios more secure. I do not want to do the wrong thing
here.

Thanks,
Jackie

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

hi,

In doing a port scan I got the message:

Open and Unsecure!
139 (Net BIOS)

Having the NetBIOS port accessible to the Internet is
very dangerous. Check your firewall configuration or
install McAfee.com Personal Firewall if you have not
already done so.

I do not currently have a firewall. I am in the process
of networking my home, so will eventually. In the mean
time, does anyone have any suggestions on how to make my
netbios more secure. I do not want to do the wrong thing
here.

Thanks,
Jackie

An open NetBIOS port is only a problem if it's on a direct connection
to the Internet through a modem (dial-up, DSL, cable, etc). If
that's the case, enable XP's built-in Internet Connection Firewall on
the Internet connection to close the port and protect your computer.
Details here:

Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/ic_firewall.htm

If your computer accesses the Internet through a broadband router, the
router is already acting as a firewall and you don't need to enable
XP's firewall.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

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