When creating a firewall exception, what is the difference between opening a port and allowing an application?

a. Opening a port is permanent, and thus is less risky than allowing an application.

b. There is no functional difference between opening a port and allowing an application.

c. Allowing an application opens the specified port only while the program is running, and thus is less risky.

d. Both options are available in the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security console.

C

Explanation:

Allowing an application opens the specified port only while the program is running, and thus is less risky.

While opening ports does put you more at risk. You are in danger if an attack can exploit the service that is using that port. A port is not an all access pass to your PC/network if an attacker happens upon it. They would need to manipulate whatever it is on the other side to gain some type of basic system access, then they could 'maybe' gain enough privileges to compromise your system