Port Forwarding

[Laftpig]

I have a question about port forwarding in terms of a security issue. Do most members use port forwarding to play PC games across the internet? If so is there a security risk? For instance port forwarding IP cameras, to view remotely, is a huge security risk and should never be done. Don’t know if these security issues, games and cameras, have anything in common with one another. Just trying to learn about the security issues of playing games online. I know how to port forward. Thanks

[homeap5]

IP cameras and remote view is what it works. In worst cameras you must use special application and see your video using 3rd company server, but if you have good camera, you can see image from it directly. Security risk is because some old cameras have bad protection, not because ports was forwarding.

 

The same about everything else - port forwarding is safe, but program may not be safe. I recommend to use it anyway - it gives you lot of possibilities. Security risk? I don't think so, if you're using it good paired with software firewall and for programs you trust.

[Oshino Shinobu]

Most will not need to port forward to play games, but you would likely need to in order to host game servers. 

 

For things like IP cameras, there's often better options than port forwarding to the cameras. In my case, I have port forwarding setup to my server, which runs a VPN which can be connected to, from which you can then view the IP cameras remotely. 

 

The security risks really change depending on what ports are forwarded. Some ports are commonly forwarded for services, so they'll be attacked more often. If you have the option to choose a port that something is forwarded on, choose a high, random port that isn't used for a common service or type of traffic. 

 

Still, for playing games, you shouldn't need to port forward. 

[Laftpig]

Thanks as far as port forwarding IP cameras, very good ones, all have been compromised and are susceptible and no firewall or passwords are going to stop someone from getting into your system, home systems. A VPN is the way to go but unfortunately my ISP provided equipment won’t allow this action. So now I’m stuck not being able to remotely view my cameras. But that’s another issue. My concern was the gaming aspect and no one while be hosting as a server on this computer. Thanks again