There are several reasons people scan IP for open ports. The two most common reasons are:
- Scanning of IP for open ports is done by IT experts to find out security protocols on the network.
- Hackers or cyber-attackers also use it to identify network services running on a host so as to be able to exploit vulnerabilities.
Why It Is Necessary To Scan Ip For Open Ports Regularly?
The process to scan IP for open ports is known as port scan. It sends client request to several server port addresses on a host. The objective of the process is to find the active port. While some scans are cyber-attacks, others are just probes to find out the services that are available on a remote machine.
Security specialists also engage in IP scanning to also detect the security lapses through which hackers can carry out their wicked activities with the aim of blocking all the loopholes.
A relevant IP scanning technique is Port sweep. This is the process of scanning several hosts at the same time for a specific listening port.
This is used to search for a specific service. Both port scanning and port sweeping are deployed very frequently for criminal activities.
It is very important to close all unused open ports because anytime there is any open port, there is a room for loss of data and the occurrence of a virus. Open ports can also lead to system compromise.
It is important to continuously protect your personal computers and one of the best ways is to regularly check for open ports so as to close them. This is because hackers have gotten to the level that they can now open some of your ports themselves.
The biggest problem with this kind of security threat is that port scanning usually occurs without any outward signs that something sinister is already happening. The most effective protection from IP scanning can be achieved through the use of a firewall.
This is because firewall checks outgoing and incoming connections via your personal computer. Firewall technology adopts the technique of opening all the ports at the same time. This technique is very effective because it stops port scans from returning any port.
Another effective firewall technology technique is to filter all port scans that are going to one’s personal computer. Even though hackers do continuous researches on how to undermine any effective security structure, they have not really been able to find a loophole with firewall protection, at least for now.
Currently, firewall protection is the best and most effective security technique. Firewalls prevent access to any individual personal computer by external technology.
With a firewall installed or activated, your personal computer is hidden from uninvited trespassers and it is also active in the protection of your computer from other hacking techniques.