I have upgraded to Internet Security to use the Firewall. The ‘Leak Test’ shows that all outgoings are blocked but ‘Shields Up’ failed to produce a complete Stealth report because ports 135 to 139 are ‘Closed’.
I am confused as to why this is a security risk and would welcome any explanation for the non-Geek and if it is a risk can anyone tell me how to alter the status of these ports so that they pass as stealth ports?
Closed ports are perfectly ok and secure.Stealthing is just marketing crap and doesnt make you more secure.It simply means your firewall is not responding to ping requests which in fact make you more visible.
just so you know, when running shields up test it is the first firewall on the network that is tested…
meaning if you are behind a ISP box or router with firewall then that is the firewall tested
These ports are used for sharing files and printer in your network If you stealth them or block them other comps or yours may not see each other or the printer. Also if you are behind a router, Pondus topic above has to be taken into consideration and set the router firewall rules accordingly.
Now for your comp to pass GRC ShieldsUp test you have to:
Open Avast! > Firewall > Settings > Policies > Packet Rules. Must block Windows Networking rules and Ping IN and Traceout IN rules. See Screenshot
Be aware of the changings you are making so if something does not work appropriately, you are able to switch them back to the original settings.