Many hacks and breaches all have things in common. One of them is being able to find the right port or internet entry point to get into a system or computer. While firewalls and antivirus software can help to an extent, the actual ports can be very vulnerable to attack.
One method to combating this is by using a technique called port hopping. Port Hopping is when your computer generates a random IP address that identifies where the computer is in relation to the internet. Port hopping is related to the ISPs or those who control your internet connection. The ISPs generate random numbers that you would send your searches through. After a specific time, the connection “hops” and ports to another port. This port hopping, which is based on what the ISP wants, secures a connection by changing your entry or upload point. Programs like Skype, Salesforce and other video chatting services all use this feature to protect their users.
However, this idea can be turned against users. Hackers have found that they can use this to get around firewalls. By essentially tricking the service, they can easily plant their programs into the computer with no one suspecting it until it’s too late. The Emotet virus which forced many server cleansings and new programing for infected drives is an example of such a virus or program that accomplished this.
Port hopping can be a good or bad thing depending on a variety of factors. But don’t just rely on tricks to protect your business. Continue to be vigilant and educate yourself to look for signs of potential hackers.
The information provided comes from an interview with a member of IT Radix of Whippany, New Jersey
About IT Radix
IT Radix provides IT consulting and computer services in the northern NJ area. We primarily focus on your IT infrastructure including servers, desktops, network components, user support, etc. and your IT strategy. We are the outsourced IT department for many of our clients, taking care of everything that an internal IT staff would handle.
Our clients recognize that outsourcing IT is a great choice—they get a better value from our team than from a single internal employee filling this role. We’re able to offer more flexibility, greater and wider expertise, and overall better support for the same or less money. Meet our team here. Some of our clients only tap into IT Radix for occasional IT support or for special IT projects as needed.