Hello Guys,

Just got a new SMC 7904 WBRA 2 router. Configured everything and went to Shields Up at GRC.. It failed the test because the 443 port was found to be closed and not stealth..

It also failed the FILE SHARING test saying :

"Attempting connection to your computer. . .

Shields UP! is now attempting to contact the Hidden Internet Server within your PC. It is likely that no one has told you that your own personal computer may now be functioning as an Internet Server with neither your knowledge nor your permission. And that it may be serving up all or many of your personal files for reading, writing, modification and even deletion by anyone, anywhere, on the Internet!"

I had this all checked in the security settings.. What could be the problem?

*SPI and Anti-DoS firewall protection

*RIP defect

*Discard Ping To WAN Interface

Thanx

Cheers!!

A closed port is only really a failure at GRC, it is just as closed as a stealth port and is just as secure. The only difference is that port 443 may respond to some ICMP messages. If you are concerned, search the internet for "closed vs stealth" and you will see the endless debate raging.

The problem isn't likely to be any of your security settings. If you want to 'stealth' that port, then try setting up port forwarding on the router to forward incoming connections on port 443 to an IP address without a computer attached and test again, hopefully that should stealth it.

Re the File Sharing test, the message you posted doesn't say it failed, it was in the process of being tested. For that test, it first displays the message you posted, then the next two paragraphs give the result of the test, are you sure you failed the test? It may be comforting to know that by connecting via a router, unless you have forwarded ports to your computer, you won't fail this test.

And that it may be serving up all or many of your personal files for reading, writing, modification and even deletion by anyone, anywhere, on the Internet

That's some nice scaremongering - don't think I'd be losing too much sleep though

Port 443 is the port utilized for https encrypted/authentication communication between, for example, your computer and the server(s) at your bank, online store, etc.

As one relys on https encryption for many different secure communications, I would certainly want to ensure its security.

waldwolf

You are correct waldwolf but that is remote port 443, i.e. at the bank end, not at your end, so not relevant to the OP's issue, unless the OP is running an HTTPS server.