The other day (just for fun) I decided to have a look at my server log, just for the development private server on my desktop machine. I used a program that sets it out nicely for you (webalizer). As I expected there were loads of hits from 'Localhost' which is the generic name for the same machine, but to my surprise 2% of the hits had come from SWEDEN!

I had a surf around the internet to have a look at what is happening. That is when I found out about the dangerous world of port scanning.

Some people fill their days by scanning random IP addresses looking for a vunerable computer to hack into. Most normal computers are safe and they will not be able to do any damage (except a violated feeling), but if you use Windows NT you could be in trouble.

May I recommend a little program called Protect X which will sit on your computer making sure vunerable ports are locked up tight and if anyone tries to look at your computer a siren goes off and they get a message telling them to get out! There is a link at the bottom to their web site.

Next a list of vunerable ports.

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by Pete

Helpful Links Protect X