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P2P Security Risks

P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing is a very popular and easy way for users to share music, movies, videos, and other files with each other over the Internet. However, using P2P software is very risky, because it makes you very susceptible to infection, attack, exposure of personal or company information, and even copyright infringement issues.

Installation Of Malware

If you use P2P applications, it is difficult, if not impossible, to verify that the sources of the shared files are safe. P2P applications are often used by attackers to transmit malware (malicious software). The files may contain spyware, viruses, trojan horses, or worms. When you download the files, your computer can become infected. Currently, experts have estimated that over 70% of the programs shared on P2P networks contain some sort of malware.

Exposure Of Sensitive Information

When using P2P applications, you may unknowingly give other users access to personal or sensitive information that is stored on your computer. People may be able to access your financial or medical data, personal documents, sensitive corporate information, or other private information. If your computer contains other people's or companies' information, you may even become legally liable if their information gets released in this way.

Vulnerability To Unwanted Attacks

Many P2P applications require you to open specific ports on your firewall to send and receive the shared files through. However, by opening those ports, you may give attackers access to the information on your computer or enable them to attack your computer by taking advantage of any security vulnerabilities that may exist.

Self-Induced Denial Of Service

Downloading files causes a significant amount of traffic over your internet connection and relies on certain processes to happen on your computer. This activity may adversely limit or even block your access to the Internet while you are running these types of programs.

Prosecution Due To Copyright Infringement

Downloading or sharing copyrighted software, music or videos is illegal. If you download them, even unknowingly, you may be faced with fines or other legal actions.

Conclusion

This article lists only a few of the many risks that P2P programs can open you up to. I urge you to strongly consider not using these types of programs. If you still choose to use them, be sure to:

• Use your favorite search engine to research what the best security settings are for your particular P2P program.
• Use a very good firewall.
• Run daily scans of your system with your antivirus and antispyware applications.
• Constantly monitor the activity and file content in the shared directories to help ensure that you don't violate any laws or expose your computer's private data.

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