Desktop port proliferation a security risk?

Desktop port proliferation a security risk?
Robert Lemos, SecurityFocus 2005-07-13

Software maker Opera's decision to support BitTorrent has added to some security experts' worries that applications which require open connections through firewalls are becoming increasingly popular.

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Desktop port proliferation a security risk? 2005-07-14
EvilPacket

Desktop port proliferation a security risk? 2005-07-14
Anonymous

OK, I'm stupid. Explain to me again, WHY should the number of ports open be such a big deal? If these ports are each focussed at a relatively secure application then so what? I mean yes, there will be additional complexity and one more thing to go wrong, but is that really any different from any other patch or service tweak to any other protocol?

Additionally, if a browser is well structured, then why should another bit of functionality be a headache?

To use your logic, we should all restrict our firewalls to port 80 and use Lynx. And I suppose there will be issues at some high security places where this is a reasonable approach.

But gosh, why is this any different than IRC? or FTP? Did you object to those too?

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Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/articles/11248/32107#32107

Desktop port proliferation a security risk? 2005-07-14
Anonymous

Security by being encased in concrete... 2005-07-18
Roger

Desktop port proliferation a security risk? 2005-07-19
linux2linux