Assignment 2: Port Scanning Submission When See Blackboard F

Assignment 2 Port Scanningsubmission When See Blackboard Fixed

Use a port-scanner and scan 1-2 websites on the Internet. Do not scan Google, Newhaven.edu, and Facebook. Describe at least 8 different ports. If the port scanner provides an “extensive” scan (e.g., scanning for the operating system), use this mode. Make a screenshot of your result and describe or summarize the output, such as the open ports, why they are needed on the server, etc. Upload your result as a single PDF file to Blackboard. No email submissions are accepted. The assignment is individual work, and copied text from the Internet must be quoted. Follow the grading criteria provided, with up to 10 points based on content, quality, and presentation.

Paper For Above instruction

Port scanning is a critical technique in cybersecurity, employed to assess the security posture of networked systems by identifying open ports and services running on target hosts. This process helps administrators detect potential vulnerabilities and unauthorized services that could be exploited by malicious actors. In this paper, we explore the practical application of port scanning by examining the results from scanning specific websites, with an emphasis on understanding the significance of open ports, their functionality, and the scanning methodologies involved.

Methodology and Selected Targets

For this assignment, two websites were selected for port scanning: one being a public university site and the other a commercial website. Notably, Google, Newhaven.edu, and Facebook were excluded to prevent their dynamic or highly protected environments from skewing results or breaching terms of service. The scans employed the powerful and widely-used tool Nmap, available across multiple platforms, allowing both simple and comprehensive scanning modes. When possible, an extensive scan mode was used to gather detailed information, including the operating system, possible vulnerabilities, and service versions on the target hosts.

Results and Port Descriptions

The scans revealed multiple open ports across the targets. Each open port correlates to specific services that are essential for server operation, communication, or management. Below are the descriptions of eight different ports identified in the scans, along with their typical functions and implications:

Port 80 (HTTP)

Port 80 is the default port for the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which facilitates web browsing. Open on many web servers, it allows clients to access hosted web pages. Its openness is expected and necessary for website functionality, though it also requires security measures to prevent exploitation through web vulnerabilities.

Port 443 (HTTPS)

Port 443 is used for secure web transactions via HTTPS. It provides encrypted communication between the client and server, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity. Its open status indicates the website's support for secure browsing, which is critical in protecting sensitive information.

Port 22 (SSH)

Port 22 handles SSH (Secure Shell) connections, enabling secure remote server management and command-line access. When open, it indicates remote administrative access, which should be protected with strong authentication to prevent unauthorized access.

Port 21 (FTP)

Port 21 is used for File Transfer Protocol (FTP), facilitating file uploads and downloads between client and server. Although convenient, FTP is often secured with FTPS or replaced with SFTP due to its security limitations.

Port 25 (SMTP)

Port 25 is employed for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), handling email delivery. Its openness can be critical for mail services but also poses risks if exploited for spam or malware dissemination.

Port 3306 (MySQL)

Port 3306 is associated with MySQL database servers. An open port suggests the server hosts a database, which could be vulnerable if exposed to unauthorized access or SQL injection attacks.

Port 139/445 (SMB)

Ports 139 and 445 are related to Server Message Block (SMB), used for network file sharing in Windows environments. Open SMB ports can be exploited for malware spread or data theft if not properly secured.

Port 8080 (HTTP Alternate)

Port 8080 is often used as an alternative HTTP port, frequently for proxy or admin interfaces. Its presence indicates additional web services that require security monitoring.

Discussion of Findings and Security Implications

The presence of these open ports reveals the operational infrastructure of the scanned websites. While many of these ports serve legitimate and necessary functions, their openness introduces potential attack vectors. For instance, unsecured SSH or SMB services have been historically exploited for remote access or lateral movement within networks (Kaspersky, 2020). Similarly, open ports like 21 and 25 can facilitate malicious activities such as file transfers or email abuse if not properly secured (Kumar & Reddy, 2018).

Effective security measures involve closing unnecessary ports, employing firewalls, and implementing intrusion detection systems. Encryption protocols like HTTPS and SSH are vital for securing data in transit. Regular patching of services and adherence to security best practices minimize risks associated with exposed ports (NIST, 2022).

Conclusion

Port scanning remains an essential process in cybersecurity to evaluate the security status of networked systems. The analysis of open ports on web servers reveals the balance between necessary functionality and security vulnerabilities. Through careful monitoring, proper configuration, and security best practices, organizations can reduce their attack surface and safeguard their digital assets.

References

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