Internet UDP port 161 is primarily used by the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). SNMP is a protocol used for managing devices on IP networks. Devices that typically use SNMP include routers, switches, servers, workstations, printers, modem racks, and more. It's widely used in network management systems and network monitoring tools such as SolarWinds, Nagios, and PRTG Network Monitor.
UDP port 161 is commonly used for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) services. In the past, hackers have exploited this port to gain unauthorized access to network devices. They often do this by using brute force attacks to guess the community string, which is essentially the password for SNMP. Once they have access, they can modify the configuration of network devices, potentially causing significant disruption. Additionally, hackers can use SNMP to gather information about the network, which can be used in further attacks. Therefore, it is crucial to secure UDP port 161 to prevent such exploits.
