open port...

[macfreek57]

i just ran the port scan from the network utility and found that I have an open port on my site. does that mean anything? i know that open ports are one way hackers hack sites but is it normal to have open ports?

also, is there any software any of you could tell me about to check and see i f i can "hack" myself? security is not a real big issue for my site since it's very small and a total of about 2 people have ever been to it, but i'd like to do what i can to keep it secure if for no other reason than to learn about internet security in case i ever do any serious web page building.

thanks

[pepeleuepe]

Not sure if this is what is happening, but if the port that is open is port 80, then this is perfectly normal for a web server. Port 80 is the port your server uses to serve the web pages, so its not in anyway abnormal for it to be open on a web server. Just a thought.

[macfreek57]

oh so it matters what port it is?
well it's 53
does that make a difference?

[Cuckoo]

Port 53 is used for DNS (Domain Name Resolution). This is the service that translates a domain name into a usable IP address. Most likely you do not need to be running this. If you have this port open, you should check if you are running BIND (Linux/Unix based systems only), a service known for its security flaws.

This is what i found using google.....

Hope it helps

Cuckoo

[yamabushi]

One quick way to check your ports and such is to use the security scan from Symantec. It's a pretty basic check. You need to use IE or Netscape to use it, though.
http://security.symantec.com/ssc

They also have Traceroute on the same page which can help you track down the source of attacks based on their IP address.

[dho]

It really depends which port and what services your are running

what kind of server?
just your local machine?
or actual dedicated web server?

feel free to give me your servers address and i'l see if its hackable ;)