PORT 161 OPEN

[Anthea]

WARNING

I am in England where much of our broadband is through BT - BT are updating their system with a cable network called 'Infinity'.

Infinity keeps port 161 open WHY

When contacting BT they ALWAYS DENY that it is THEIR hardware or software that is keeping the port open BUT it is their hardware or software (still not sure which) that is keeping the port open

After many DAYS, and threats on my part to go to the press, I was informed that port 161 had to be kept open in order for Infinity to work, which I believed

Infinity does NOT require port 161 to remain open in order to function, I know this for a FACT

My belief is that it is open to enable more SPYING on the general public who, for the most part, think that a port is somewhere a ship docks

If anyone has any further information please pass it on

[Londoner]

So what is this port 161 please? could you tell us what it does?

[Anthea]

Hello friend,

Port 161 is a SNMP 'Simple Network Management Protocol' that allows machines to talk to each other - it is not required to be open in order to use Infinity - malicious hackers know that some consumer networking equipment has been shipped with exposed SNMP ports and with DEFAULT access passwords. Routers or other equipment would be quickly discovered and exploited. If anyone finds that they have port 161 open they should close it QUICKLY.

I am trying to find the best solution for the problem.

[Jagarm]

Your best option is to keep your home network safe by enabling the firewall. Also install a good antivirus software on all the computers that are on your network

Good luck and be safe

[Anthea]

Your best option is to keep your home network safe by enabling the firewall. Also install a good antivirus software on all the computers that are on your network

Good luck and be safe

Thank you Jagarm

Which anti virus and firewall do you use???

[Anthea]

Since you're a Linux user, you need to find an anti-virus program which will work on your system. But doesn't Linux have an inbuilt anti-virus?

True, I have built in safeguards and firewalls but I am always willing to learn

I sometimes have students who want me to teach them how to use
(Tux PLEASE forgive me for swearing) microsoft as well as English

I used the "M" word wash my mouth out with soap and water

[Jagarm]

Your best option is to keep your home network safe by enabling the firewall. Also install a good antivirus software on all the computers that are on your network

Good luck and be safe

Thank you Jagarm

Which anti virus and firewall do you use???

I have been using Norton Internet Security for many years and it's been perfect in every way. It's not free version but I am able to find discount codes throughout internet.

You can try Microsoft security essentials http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/mse.aspx which is free

[Anthea]

You can try Microsoft security essentials

http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/mse.aspx

Thank you Jagarm I am sure that the link will be very helpful to some readers

I got away with that without using the "M" word