Securing Your Minecraft Server: Should You Turn Off Port Forwarding?

Running a Minecraft server can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with security considerations. One of the most critical aspects to address is port forwarding. This article will help you understand the importance of port forwarding and provide guidance on whether and when to disable it.

The Basics of Port Forwarding

Port forwarding allows external users to access your Minecraft server by connecting to a specific IP address and port number. This process is essential if you want players from around the world to be able to play on your server. However, leaving port forwarding enabled when your server is not in use can pose security risks.

The Risks of Leaving Port Forwarding On

Leaving port forwarding enabled when your server is not in use can make your server vulnerable to attacks. Even if the server itself is not running, leaving the port open allows attackers to discover and potentially breach your network. This can lead to further security issues and even unauthorized access to your local network.

Alternatives to Keeping Port Forwarding On

If you do not have anyone playing on your server, you can consider disconnecting the Internet connection from your router or stopping the Minecraft server application. Here are a few steps you can follow:

Disconnect the Internet Connection

One of the simplest methods is to disconnect the Internet connection from your router. This ensures that no external devices can connect to your server, even if the port is still forwarded. To do this, simply unplug the Ethernet cable or turn off Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can use your router's settings to temporarily disable the connection.

Stop the Minecraft Server Application

If you don't need to run the server, you can stop the Minecraft server application. This prevents any listener from being open on the port, making it more difficult for attackers to detect and exploit the port. However, this method still leaves your port open, albeit in a stealthy manner.

Running Security Tests with ShieldsUp

To ensure that no one can access your server, you should regularly run security tests. One effective tool for this is the ShieldsUp test from This test helps you understand which ports are visible and accessible from the Internet.

Interpreting the Results of ShieldsUp Test

When you run the ShieldsUp test, you may encounter several outcomes:

Stealth: This indicates that there is no port forwarding for this particular port. It is secure and closed to external access. Open: This means the port is being forwarded and is open for access from the Internet. You should consider closing this port or securing the server further. Closed: This shows that there is a port forward set up, but the device on that port is not responding. If this is a security camera, it can indicate a potential security issue.

After you stop the Minecraft server application, you should see the port being closed. This ensures that even if someone attempts to access the port, they will only detect the IP address in use but not be able to connect to the server.

Examples and Real-Life Scenarios

Let's consider an example with a Minecraft server and security cameras:

Scenario 1 - With Security Cameras

Suppose you have security cameras that are disabled. When you run the ShieldsUp test on the relevant block of ports, you might see:

Stealth: The security cameras are not enabling port forwarding. Open: The Minecraft server is enabling port forwarding. Closed: The ports related to security cameras are closed because the devices are not responding.

If you stop the Minecraft server application, you will see the ports related to the server becoming closed. This means the IP address is still in use, but no further connection attempts will be possible.

Scenario 2 - No Security Cameras

Imagine you do not have any security cameras. When you run the ShieldsUp test on the first 1056 ports, you might see:

If you did not have security cameras, all ports would be in stealth mode, meaning they are not being forwarded and are hidden from external access.

Conclusion

Port forwarding is a double-edged sword. While it allows your Minecraft server to be accessible to players, it also opens a potential security risk if left uninterrupted. Regularly running security tests and considering the alternative methods of disconnecting the Internet or stopping the server application can help you maintain a secure environment. Ensuring your guests and yourself peace of mind while your server is not in use is paramount.