Install An Application-Based Security Scanner On The Same PC

Install An Application Based Security Scanner On The Same Personal Wor

Install an application-based security scanner on the same personal workstation as the firewall from Discussion Board Forum 5. Run a full port scan on the computer while the application firewall from Discussion Board Forum 5 is running. Take note of the ports that are open. Turn off the firewall or open all ports and run the security scan a second time. Take note of the ports that are open. In a paragraph, research and discuss 2 of the most dangerous ports to vulnerabilities that were open while the firewall was running. In a second paragraph, research and discuss 2 of the most dangerous ports that were open while the firewall was turned off.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of port scanning with an application-based security scanner provides critical insights into vulnerabilities within a system’s networked environment, especially when assessing the effectiveness of a firewall. Conducting port scans under different conditions—while the firewall is active and when it is deactivated or bypassed—reveals which ports are most susceptible to exploitation and how firewall configurations impact system security. This paper examines the vulnerabilities associated with specific ports identified during such scans, focusing on those open while the firewall was active and those open after the firewall was turned off.

When the firewall from Discussion Board Forum 5 was active, certain ports remained open and posed significant risks. Notably, port 80 (HTTP) and port 443 (HTTPS) are common open ports that, while essential for web traffic, can be targeted by attackers if misconfigured or if vulnerable services are running. Port 80, often associated with web servers, is a frequent target for exploiting web application vulnerabilities such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting, which can lead to unauthorized access or data breaches. Port 443, used for secure web traffic, can also be exploited if SSL/TLS configurations are weak, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks or eavesdropping. Despite the firewall’s protections, these open ports exemplify areas where malicious actors can focus their efforts to infiltrate a network.

Another critical port that remained open during the firewall’s operation is port 445, used by the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. SMB ports are notorious for being exploited in malware attacks such as WannaCry ransomware, which used vulnerabilities in SMB v1 to spread across networks rapidly. The presence of open SMB ports presents a considerable threat, especially if the firewall’s filtering rules are not strict enough or if the protocol itself has known exploits unpatched. Such vulnerabilities underscore the importance of configuring firewalls to restrict access to sensitive ports and services unless explicitly necessary, reducing the attack surface of the network.

Upon turning off the firewall or opening all ports, the landscape of vulnerabilities widens. Notably, port 22 (SSH) became more accessible and represents a significant risk zone. SSH ports are targeted by brute-force attacks and exploits aiming to gain remote access to systems. When left open or poorly secured, attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in SSH implementations to obtain administrative control over the system, leading to potential data theft, system manipulation, or further malicious activity. Similarly, port 3389 (Remote Desktop Protocol, RDP) becomes a critical vulnerability point when accessible without firewall protections. RDP ports are frequently targeted for ransomware attacks and brute-force credential attacks, especially if there are weak or default passwords.

The danger posed by open RDP and SSH ports illustrates the critical importance of firewall rules and proper network management. Open ports like 22 and 3389 are high-value targets for cybercriminals because they facilitate remote access—an attractive vector for cyberattacks—especially when not properly secured or monitored. The security community emphasizes that such ports should be protected with strong authentication mechanisms, and access should be restricted to trusted networks or VPNs. Moreover, deploying multi-factor authentication and rigorous patch management significantly reduces the risk of compromise over these service ports.

In conclusion, port security remains a cornerstone of cybersecurity. Ports like 80, 443, and 445, when exposed, can serve as gateways for cyberattacks if vulnerabilities exist in the underlying services or configurations. Conversely, ports such as 22 and 3389 pose heightened risks when accessible without appropriate security controls, acting as easy entry points for malicious actors seeking remote access. Effective firewall policies must balance openness for legitimate purposes with restrictions that minimize attack vectors. Regular vulnerability scans and proper port management are vital in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of organizational networks.

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