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Is port scanning my own hosted server illegal? Or could I get in trouble

I was testing my firewall using Nmap port scanner to figure out if the Windows firewall was doing its job. I had to work for the last 48 hours and when I came back to do another scan and detect any other ports, I cannot see anything open anymore. The only port the scanner comes back with is Port 53. I had at least 7 more ports to close and now I cannot find them in the scan. Would my hosting service closed these other ports since they may have caught the scanning? Is there another tool anyone recommends to do this? I just cant get hacked or owned I guess they call it. I just read a few articles where this could be illegal? Now I am all nervous! Jeez, I am new to this and just trying to secure our family business. This will be my wifes website business. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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Aaron Tomosky

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meko72

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Jeff Everett

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I did call the hosting service and they said it was no problem scanning. I am not behind the hosting services firewall, they claim they cannot put me behind a hardware firewall either. I do have Windows Firewall running and I only have 6 ports open. Most of which the tech said are usually vital and really cant be closed. The only one in question was 53 and 88. Other than that he said I was really tightly covered and did a great job securing it. I will await to see if any other comments are said and then I will award points and close the thread. THanks!

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Aaron Tomosky

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meko72

Typically Port 53 is for DNS (Domain Name Service) is used for domain name resolution. Xbox LIVE uses ports 53 tcp/udp, 80 tcp, 88 udp, 3074 tcp/udp.

Port 88 is also used for Xbox LIVE aswell as Kerberos - authentication system

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meko72

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Jeff Everett

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From what I was able to gather, I would in the future consult your hosting company. Everyone may have a different rule. I would recommend anyone to scan their website thoroughly with a fine toothed comb. I have already been scanned by anti-sec I found in the log. Its more than likely a bot. Those guys are good, real good, be careful all.