Opening port 21, good or bad ?

[Tigger]

I have an application that requires to open a port on my pc (my friend suggested to open port 21), I know how to open that port but I am just a bit worry about any security issues by doing this.
I was thinking to open another port, other than 21, such as 8800, any idea?

Tigger Reviewed by Tigger on 1st Feb 2010. Opening port 21, good or bad ? I have an application that requires to open a port on my pc (my friend suggested to open port 21), I know how to open that port but I am just a bit worry about any security issues by doing this. I was thinking to open another port, other than 21, such as 8800, any idea? Rating: 5

[r0ck]

well I would open a random port instead of 21 but thats just my opinion lol

[Tigger]

any reason for not using port 21 ?

[Sandino]

Well it depends what you are doing.
No matter what port you are opening, someone could probably find it open.

The likely hood of you getting "hacked" from a port are very slim.
So just open a port that you feel comfortable with. There is nothing wrong with opening port 21, although it is mostly used for FTP.
You can open up another port if you like say 112, 1231, etc. Anything.

You already have ports open on your PC, so not sure what you are worried about

[Tigger]

I have an application for sending sms through web browser that needs a port to be open for ftp communications.
So I guess there is nothing to worry about opening port 21, I will go ahead and opening it then.

[chrishdman87]

Sandi0 beat me to it.
It's an ftp port.

Its *usually* open by default.