Securing MikroTik Routers With Advanced Firewall Rules

If you're feeling like your router needs a little extra protection, you might want to consider port knocking! Not familiar with the concept? No worries, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of port knocking and learn how it can help keep your network safe.

MikroTik Firewall : Securing your Router with Port Knocking

What is Port Knocking?

Port knocking is a security technique that allows you to open certain network ports by "knocking" on a sequence of closed ports in a specific order. Think of it like a secret handshake for your network! When the correct sequence of ports is knocked on, the desired port will open and allow traffic to pass through. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your network and protect against certain types of attacks.

How Does Port Knocking Work?

The process of port knocking can be broken down into a few key steps:

Step 1: Set up port knocking rules - First, you'll need to define the ports to "knock" on and the sequence in which they should be knocked. This can be done using your firewall or a dedicated port knocking service.
Step 2: Send the Knock - Once you've established the knocking sequence, you'll need to "knock" on the specified ports in the correct order. This can be done using a simple command line tool or even a mobile app in some cases!
Step 3: Access Granted! - After the correct sequence has been knocked, the desired port will open and allow traffic to pass through. This can be a specific port or a range of ports, depending on how you've set up your port knocking rules.

Types of Port Knocking

There are a few different types of port knocking, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages:

Single Packet Knocking (SPK) - This type of port knocking involves sending a single packet to a specific port or set of ports to request access. While it's quick and easy to set up, it can be less secure than other methods since the knocking port is often known in advance.
Sequence Knocking - This type of port knocking requires the knocking sequence to incorporate multiple ports in a specific order. This can help prevent brute force attacks and provides an additional layer of security.
TCP/UDP Knocking - This type of port knocking involves knocking on a TCP or UDP port in a specific order to unlock other ports. While it can be more flexible than other methods, it can also be more complex to set up.

Pros and Cons of Port Knocking

Like any security technique, port knocking has its own advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:
- Provides an additional layer of security
- Can help prevent unauthorized access and protect against certain types of attacks
- Easy to implement in some cases
Cons:
- Can be less secure if the knocking port is known in advance
- May require additional setup and maintenance
- Can be more difficult to set up for complex networks

Is Port Knocking Right for You?

So, is port knocking the right security technique for your network? The answer depends on your specific needs and setup. While it can provide an additional layer of security and protect against certain types of attacks, it may not be necessary for all networks.

If you're interested in implementing port knocking, it's important to consider the time and resources you'll need to set it up and maintain it over time. You'll also want to make sure you understand the different types of port knocking and select the one that makes the most sense for your network.

Ultimately, the decision to implement port knocking is up to you. It's just one of many tools you can use to secure your network and protect against unauthorized access. Happy knocking!