Port Forwarding Security - Firewall Settings

[WelcomedRain]

I have a question about security and vulnerability. I have set up port forwarding for Subsonic to work (port 4040 for my Ubuntu installation). I have played with my Firestarter firewall settings and it appears that if I want to connect from different remote networks and computers, I will need to open the incoming access to "everyone".

My question is, how vulnerable is my network with the port forwarding and how vulnerable is my computer with my firewall allowing connections to "everyone" through port 4040?

I'm don't completely understand the implications of the settings and just want to make sure I'm not a mark for hackers sniffing for open ports to exploit.

Many thanks for any feedback.

[Kirk]

Since you're using Ubuntu, I wouldn't worry about it whatsoever. I don't have a "router" with "port forwarding". My Ubuntu server is directly connected to the Internet. It does routing and port forwarding for the rest of my network, as well as runs my Subsonic server. All non-forwarded ports are open to it all the time. I have no issues.

Forwarding a single port to a target computer presents very little security risk. Subsonic is the only thing that will listen on this port. The only security risks I see are any presented by Subsonic, which I find to be a very secure piece of software.

Port forwarding isn't a big deal. I wouldn't worry about it.

Cheers,
Kirk

[WelcomedRain]

Thanks Kirk. Much appreciated. Yes... I don't usually worry about Ubuntu but ignorance is bliss and... well... an ounce of prevention. Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my inquiry.