Can I block port 445?
Blocking TCP 445 will prevent file and printer sharing and also other services such as DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) which is frequently used for automatically obtaining an IP address from the DHCP servers used by many corporations and ISPs(Internet Service Providers) will stop functioning.
Should I disable port 445?
We also recommend blocking port 445 on internal firewalls to segment your network – this will prevent internal spreading of the ransomware. Note that blocking TCP 445 will prevent file and printer sharing – if this is required for business, you may need to leave the port open on some internal firewalls.
How do I block a samba port?

You can do this manually by using the “Services” snap-in (Services. msc) and the PowerShell Set-Service cmdlet, or by using Group Policy Preferences. When you stop and disable these services, SMB can no longer make outbound connections or receive inbound connections.
How do I enable port 445?
To add a firewall rule to allow TCP/445 (SMB/CIFS) and TCP/135 (RPC): Go to Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Windows Firewall with Advanced Security > Windows Firewall with Advanced Security – LDAP > Inbound Rules. Right-click and choose New Rule. Choose Port and click Next.
How do I disable port 445?
How to Close Port 445 in Windows 10/7/XP
- Go Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall and find Advanced settings on the left side.
- Click Inbound Rules > New rule.
- Choose Block the connection > Next.
- Check if you have created the rule by Properties > Protocols and Ports > Local Port.
Why would an attacker scan for port 445?

Summary: Ports 139 and 445 are used for ‘NetBIOS’ communication between two Windows 2000 hosts. In the case of port 445 an attacker may use this to perform NetBIOS attacks as it would on port 139.
What is port 445 commonly used for?
Port 445 is a traditional Microsoft networking port with tie-ins to the original NetBIOS service found in earlier versions of Windows OSes. Today, port 445 is used by Microsoft Directory Services for Active Directory (AD) and for the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol over TCP/IP.
Why is port 445 used?
Is port 445 open by default?
If the server has NBT enabled, it listens on UDP ports 137 and 138, and TCP ports 139 and 445. If it has NBT disabled, it listens on TCP port 445 only. All four ports are open as default in all versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019.
How do I block outbound port 445?
How to Block Port 445 in Windows Firewall
- Go Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall and find Advanced settings on the left side.
- Click Inbound Rules > New rule.
- Choose Block the connection > Next.
- Check if you have created the rule by Properties > Protocols and Ports > Local Port.
How to block TCP port 445 in Windows Server 2016?
How to Block TCP Port 445 via RegEdit? 1 Type “services.msc” in Run box to open Windows Services. 2 Find Server and double click it. It is at the middle of the service events normally. 3 In the pop-up window, select Disabled from the drop-down list and click OK.
What is port 445 used for in Windows?
Port 445 Details. 445 tcp microsoft-ds TCP port 445 is used for direct TCP/IP MS Networking access without the need for a NetBIOS layer. This service is only implemented in the more recent verions of Windows (e.g. Windows 2K / XP). The SMB (Server Message Block) protocol is used among other things for file sharing in Windows NT/2K/XP.
How can I restrict port 445 access to specific O365 endpoints?
You should create IP address-based restrictions in your perimeter firewall to allow only those specific endpoints. Organizations can allow port 445 access to specific Azure Datacenter and O365 IP ranges to enable hybrid scenarios in which on-premises clients (behind an enterprise firewall) use the SMB port to talk to Azure file storage.
What is the SMB 445 outbound SMB block rule?
Description: Allows outbound SMB TCP 445 traffic to only DCs and file servers when on a trusted network Customize Allow if Secure Settings: pick one of the options, set Override block rules = ON