Why is it important to limit the number of open ports to only those that are absolutely essential?

12. Why do many organizations ban port scanning activities on their internal networks?Manyorganizations banned port scanning activities on their internal networks because an attacker wouldeasily be able to use an open port to send commands to a computer, potentially gain access to aserver, and possibly exert control over a networking device.14. What is an open port? Why is it important to limit the number of open ports to those that areabsolutely essential?An open port is a network channel or connection point in a data communicationsystems and it is extremely important to limit the number of open ports because if one is left opened,it is a vulnerability to the system.16. What is a vulnerability scanner? How is it used to improve security?A vulnerability scanner is anapplication that scans networks to identify exposed usernames and groups, open network shares,configuration problems, and other vulnerabilities in servers. It is used to improve security byidentifying ports that are giving the correct service.

Principles of Information Security (MindTap Cours...

ISBN:9781337102063

Author:Michael E. Whitman, Herbert J. Mattord

Publisher:Cengage Learning

  1. What is an open port? Why is it important to limit the number of open ports a system has to only those that are absolutely essential?

An open port is a TCP or UDP service port that accepts traffic and responds with services at that port address. Ports that are not required are often poorly configured and subject to misuse. Only essential services should be offered on secure networks.

  1. What is a vulnerability scanner? How is it used to improve security?

A software program or network appliance that scans a range of network addresses and port numbers for open services. When a service port is found, it attempts to identify the service being offered and evaluates the security of that service, perhaps by compromising the service. When an improperly configured or weak service port is found, it can be removed or repaired to reduce risk.

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