How Threatening is Port Scanning?
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Port scanning is a new growing security threat in the world wide web. Our personal computers have ports. They are used to connect to our mail server, to transfer files with FTP etc. These ports are always on and virtually listening. A port scan happens when a hacker scans a host pc to see which ports are open or not in use. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the bad guy will attack. However, this offenders will know which ports are locked or unlocked, creating an opportunity to invade your pc at a time he chooses. A firewall can readily give you added security for these types of attack. It practically guards every ports of your pc recording incoming and outgoing activities and if it suspects something unusual, or unknown , it automatically stops the threat. A port scan does not mean your system is about to be attacked. Its just as important to note that if a port scan occurs, someone knows certain weakness in your system. This should prompt us to take preventive measures, all the more.