Security Alert

 What is a Security Alert?

A Security Alert appears when a program on your computer attempts to monitor incoming connections from other computers.

 What triggered this alert?

A program named [program name] attempted to allow incoming connections on port [port number]. This is a risk based on the following information:

Threat Type
Digitally Signed

 Additional Information

A Listen Alert appears the first time that a program on your computer attempts to listen for incoming connections. When a computer is listening for connections, remote programs may be able to access and communicate with the listening program.

A Listen Alert may be triggered by a program that you choose to run; by a Windows component that is accessing the Internet in the background; or by a Trojan horse or other remote-control program that is attempting to bypass your security.


 What should I do?

Decide whether you want to block or allow this program's attempt to listen for connections.

If you allow it, this program will be able to listen for incoming connections and accept connections from other computers on all ports. You will not be notified when an actual connection occurs.

If you block the listen attempt, some programs may behave unpredictably.


 How can I reduce the number of these alerts?

There are two ways to reduce the number of Listen Alerts that you receive:

  • Turn on Automatic Program Control
    Automatically update security settings for programs that Symantec has identified as safe. You will not receive warnings when Automatic Program Control makes changes to your security settings.

  • Run a Program Scan
    The firewall identifies all of the Internet-enabled programs on your computer and suggests appropriate security settings for each one. You can accept these suggestions or manually configure access for individual programs.