Question concerning the security of ICS in Ubuntu
 

Hello, I connect my Xbox 360 to my Laptop via an Ethernet cord and have my Etho connection set to "Shared to other computers", I have installed linux-igd and have to use the command upnpd eth0 wlan0 to fix an issue with the connection, anyway, I was wondering how safe is linux-igd program and what does the "upnpd eth0 wlan0" command do?..Would it put my laptop at risk for hackers or attacks?..I only have to use linux-igd when trying to go on Xbox Live, I know the security issues posed by UPnP on Windows, but, not on Ubuntu.

The security "risk" (there is a bit of debate on this point to begin with) is that UPnP can be used to open ports on your router without your knowledge. The idea being that a rogue application on your computer could open up your router, making subsequent attacks possible. Of course, if you have rogue software running on your computer, you are already in bad shape; hence the debate.

More to the point, if the network consists of your router, laptop, and 360; and you are sure your machine is free from any malicious or unknown software, then there will be no problem using UPnP.

Thanks for the reply, I was wondering though, would bridging the two connections maybe be safer?.. Though, with bridging I've noticed all you have to do is go into network manager and select "Available to all users" for both connections.