TELNET
TELNET is a protocol that allows for remote communication and management of devices over a network. It is commonly used to access remote servers and network devices. TELNET operates on port 23 and provides a command-line interface for users to interact with remote systems.
What is TELNET
TELNET is one of the earliest protocols used for remote communication and management of devices over a network. Developed in the late 1960s, it allows users to connect to remote servers and network devices, providing a command-line interface for interaction. TELNET operates on port 23 and has been widely used in various network environments.
Despite its historical significance, TELNET has largely been replaced by more secure protocols such as SSH (Secure Shell) due to its lack of encryption. TELNET transmits data, including passwords, in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access. However, it is still used in some legacy systems and specific network configurations where security is not a primary concern.
Organizations using TELNET should be aware of its security risks and consider transitioning to more secure alternatives. In environments where TELNET is still in use, it is crucial to implement additional security measures, such as network segmentation and access controls, to mitigate potential threats.
TELNET runs on TCP and UDP port 23 and is official IANA port.Security risk
The primary risk of using TELNET is its lack of encryption, which makes it susceptible to eavesdropping and interception. Sensitive information, including passwords, can be easily captured by malicious actors. Organizations should consider using more secure alternatives like SSH to mitigate these risks.
In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 23. Use StackChanges to monitor if the TELNET port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 23 is open again.