Port 19: Chargen
Port 19 is the Character Generator Protocol, which streams a continuous sequence of characters back to the client. It is best known today as a target for UDP amplification attacks, so it should never be exposed to the internet.
| Port number | 19 |
|---|---|
| Service | Character Generator Protocol |
| Protocol | TCP/UDP |
| Category | Legacy protocols |
| Default encryption | No |
Frequently asked questions
What is port 19 used for?
Port 19 is the Character Generator Protocol, which streams a continuous sequence of characters back to the client. It is best known today as a target for UDP amplification attacks, so it should never be exposed to the internet.
Is port 19 TCP or UDP?
Port 19 (Chargen) uses TCP/UDP.
Is port 19 secure?
Port 19 is not encrypted by default. Where possible, use an encrypted alternative or tunnel it over TLS or a VPN.
Should I open port 19 on my firewall?
Only if you specifically need Chargen. Expose it to the smallest set of trusted sources, and never open database or Windows-service ports to the whole internet.