Most Commonly Attacked Ports
The most commonly attacked ports and what you can do to help protect those ports against cyber attacks.
- Port 80 (HTTP) - used for unencrypted web traffic, and can be exploited through web application vulnerabilities such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).
- Port 443 (HTTPS) - used for encrypted web traffic, and can be attacked through SSL vulnerabilities or man-in-the-middle attacks.
- Port 22 (SSH) - used for secure shell access to a remote system, and can be targeted through brute-force attacks or by exploiting vulnerabilities in SSH software.
- Port 3389 (Remote Desktop Protocol) - used for remote access to Windows systems, and can be targeted through brute-force attacks or by exploiting vulnerabilities in RDP software.
- Port 23 (Telnet) - used for remote terminal access, and can be targeted through brute-force attacks or by exploiting vulnerabilities in Telnet software.
- Port 21 (FTP) - used for file transfer, and can be targeted through brute-force attacks or by exploiting vulnerabilities in FTP software.
- Port 25 (SMTP) - used for email transmission, and can be targeted through spam campaigns or by exploiting vulnerabilities in SMTP software.
- Port 53 (DNS) - used for domain name resolution, and can be targeted through DNS hijacking or DNS amplification attacks.
- Port 445 (SMB) - used for file sharing and remote administration, and can be targeted through exploits such as EternalBlue or by brute-forcing weak passwords.
- Port 1433 (SQL Server) - used for Microsoft SQL Server, and can be targeted through SQL injection attacks or by exploiting vulnerabilities in SQL Server software.
Note that this is not an exhaustive list and that there are many other ports and attack vectors that can be exploited. It's important to keep your systems and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and to follow best practices for securing your networks and devices.
What you should be doing to increase port security
- Disable unused ports: Disable any unused ports on your computer or network to reduce the number of entry points for attackers. This reduces the risk of attackers gaining access to your system through unused and vulnerable ports.
- Use a firewall: Use a firewall to monitor and control the traffic to and from your computer. Configure your firewall to allow only the necessary ports and protocols for your specific needs.
- Keep software up-to-date: Regularly update your operating system and applications to ensure that they are protected against known vulnerabilities. Many updates contain security patches that address known security weaknesses and protect against new threats.
- Use strong passwords: Use strong passwords or passphrase to secure the ports on your computer or network. Weak passwords make it easier for attackers to gain access to your system and to exploit vulnerabilities.
- Use encryption: Use encryption to secure data transmissions over open ports, such as HTTPS or SSH, to protect against interception and eavesdropping.
- Use two-factor authentication: Use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to ports that require remote access. This ensures that only authorized users can access your system even if their login credentials are compromised.
- Limit physical access: Limit physical access to your computer ports by locking up your computer or network devices and keeping them in a secure location.
By implementing these tips, you can secure your computer ports and reduce the risk of attacks that can lead to data breaches or system compromise.