Port Blocking MSN/Windows Messenger

JamboUK · 26-04-2005, 16:41

Any of you guys reading this forum have any sucess in blocking network users from accessing (using) MSN/Windows Messenger via a firewall?

I need to stop all the wannabe hackers from chatting away merrily with there friend (not to mention the security implications).

The internet is accessed by all users via a Netgear Router so I do have a bit of flexability with block ports, ip addresses etc.

Anyone tried it? Had experience blocking ports? If so which ones?

**Paul** · 26-04-2005, 16:42

MSN Messenger uses port 1863.

JamboUK · 26-04-2005, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul M

MSN Messenger uses port 1863.

Thanks quick response.. I have read somewhere that if that port isn't available is then uses 80 - that correct?

I have a funny feeling it isn't going to be as simple as blocking 1863.

Anyone else?

Raistlin · 26-04-2005, 17:14

Can you uninstall / disable the software?
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Or, if you have a software firewall in there as well then you could simply deny that application's access to the web.

**Paul** · 26-04-2005, 17:18

See this ;

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/889829

jtwn · 26-04-2005, 17:19

I thought it used that port, another and would fail to port 8 if needs be.

You got to remember, there is still msn webmessenger they can use.

Raistlin · 26-04-2005, 17:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul M

See this ;

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/889829

Looks like it'll do the trick.....

Stuart · 26-04-2005, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtwn

I thought it used that port, another and would fail to port 8 if needs be.

You got to remember, there is still msn webmessenger they can use.

Blocking HTTP connections to messenger.msn.com (and presumably messenger.msn.co.uk - although I don't have access to our firewall to reconfigure it, so can't check) will block access to MSN web messenger.

The article Paul has a link to does say how to block both MSN Messenger and MSN Web Messenger.