Port 79: Finger
Port 79 is the Finger protocol, which returns basic information about a user on a remote system, such as whether they are logged in. It leaks account details by design and is almost always disabled on modern systems.
TCPLegacy protocolsUnencrypted by defaultIANA assigned
| Port number | 79 |
|---|---|
| Service | Finger protocol |
| Protocol | TCP |
| Category | Legacy protocols |
| Default encryption | No |
Security note. Port 79 is not encrypted by default. Restrict it to trusted networks, or use an encrypted alternative where one exists, to avoid exposing credentials and data in transit.
Frequently asked questions
What is port 79 used for?
Port 79 is the Finger protocol, which returns basic information about a user on a remote system, such as whether they are logged in. It leaks account details by design and is almost always disabled on modern systems.
Is port 79 TCP or UDP?
Port 79 (Finger) uses TCP.
Is port 79 secure?
Port 79 is not encrypted by default. Where possible, use an encrypted alternative or tunnel it over TLS or a VPN.
Should I open port 79 on my firewall?
Only if you specifically need Finger. Expose it to the smallest set of trusted sources, and never open database or Windows-service ports to the whole internet.