Security Basics: Re: Port question

[Charlie Clark <charlie () funkymunkey co uk>]

Hi Ken,

As far as I am aware, if  a port is showing up as 'closed' instead of
'filtered', which i assume you mean when you say 'stealth', it means that it is
sending a tcp reset packet to the tcp packet it received as apposed to just
dropping the packet. I am not a networking guru but I would not class that as a
bad thing as it is sticking to the RFC.
Most firewalls by default drop packets that are not explicilty allowed, unless
told to send a tcp reset, but most OS's will send a tcp reset if the port is
closed.
I hope this helps.

Regards,

Charlie

On 24 June 2009 at 15:39 Ken Pryor <kdpryor () gmail com> wrote:

> Hello all, I just joined the list and this is my first post to it.  I
> am a networking noob and am not sure if this is something I should
> worry about or not.  I just set up a Smoothwall Express firewall and
> later ran a Shields Up scan at grc. com  It showed all ports as
> stealth except one, port 113, which it showed as closed.  Shields Up
> gave my system a "failed" score based on that one port showing as
> closed.  My question is, is this anything I need to worry about and,
> if so, how might I fix it?
> Thanks to all who offer their knowledge and help to those of us just
> getting started.
> Ken Pryor
>
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securing Apache Web Server with thawte Digital Certificate
In this guide we examine the importance of Apache-SSL and who needs an SSL certificate.  We look at how SSL works, how 
it benefits your company and how your customers can tell if a site is secure. You will find out how to test, purchase, 
install and use a thawte Digital Certificate on your Apache web server. Throughout, best practices for set-up are 
highlighted to help you ensure efficient ongoing management of your encryption keys and digital certificates.

http://www.dinclinx.com/Redirect.aspx?36;4175;25;1371;0;5;946;e13b6be442f727d1
------------------------------------------------------------------------