Port 497Dantz Retrospect

Dantz Retrospect is a backup and recovery software solution that facilitates data protection by scheduling and managing backups across various platforms and devices. The software uses this port to manage client-server communications for coordinating backup tasks and restoring data..

transport
tcp

single transport

in transit
cleartext

payload readable on path

assignment
official

registered with iana

risk
4/10

caution

lookups
5,358

rank 890 of 993 · top 90%

Technical Details

what runs on :497

Dantz Retrospect is a cross-platform backup and recovery application predominantly used in enterprise and small business environments. Port 497 TCP facilitates communication between the Retrospect server and client machines. This allows for efficient scheduling, management, and execution of incremental and full backups across networked devices.

The Retrospect engine utilizes this port to authenticate client systems, coordinate data transfer, and ensure backup consistency. Data passes over TCP due to its reliability and error-checking capabilities, which are critical for file integrity during backup sessions. The protocol facilitates not only file transfer but also command and control operations for managing snapshots, backup jobs, and restores.

Port 497 is registered officially for this service, minimizing risks associated with port collisions. While the communication between server and client typically occurs within secured internal networks, understanding of this port’s role is essential for proper firewall and security device configuration. It is a common target port to be opened internally to ensure successful backup operations.

Security Information

exposure of :497

risk score

4/ 10caution

worth attention. how exposed you are depends on configuration — don't leave it reachable from the internet without a reason.

file transfer averages 4.1 across 114 ports — this one sits 0.1 below.

in transit

cleartext

credentials and payloads are readable by anyone on path

assignment

official

registered with iana for this service — scanners fingerprint it by number

reachable over

tcp

every listening transport is another surface to filter at the edge

security overview

Common vulnerabilities:

  • Lack of encryption can lead to sniffing attacks, exposing sensitive backup data during transit.
  • Weak client-server authentication methods may allow unauthorized access or manipulation of backup archives.
  • Improperly exposed port 497 on public-facing interfaces risks exploitation by unauthorized users or malware.

Common mitigations:

  • Restrict port 497 access to trusted internal networks and block external traffic by default.
  • Implement strong authentication mechanisms and user access controls within Retrospect.
  • Utilize VPN tunnels or additional network-layer encryption to protect data in transit.
  • Keep backup software up-to-date with security patches.
  • Regularly audit network exposure and review firewall configurations to minimize attack surface.

the 8 most looked-up other ports in file transfer — 114 ports carry that label.

risk mix of the 8 listed

  • caution100%

1 of 8 encrypted