Danger lurking behind file sharing

According to a FBI website peer-to-peer networks allows computer users “to find and download files located on other peer-to-peer users’ hard drive and to share files located on their own computer.” John Wagley (October 2007) in P2P Dangers Growing highlighted that the growth of P2P networks have skyrocketed in the last three years “from less than four million in 2003 to nearly 10 million in 2006.”

Unfortunately, while P2P and file sharing may be a good way to connect with others “these information-sharing systems have been used to engage in illegal activity.” The FBI further highlights that Copyright Infringement is the most common crime associated with information sharing systems. This is so because it is illegal “to distribute copyrighted music, movies, software, games, and other works without authorization.”

Wagley also states that P2P “networks are difficult to track, designed to accommodate large numbers of clients, and capable of transferring vast amounts of data.” As such users do not only risk been sued for distributing and sharing copyrighted material but also risk downloading viruses and Trojans. Internet safety experts believe that P2P systems also provide hackers with a medium to enter a network or computer, install viruses and worms as well as access personal information.

Dangers of using P2P file sharing programs extracted from the FBI

Wrong Files – There is often confusion between what you think you are downloading and what is actually downloaded. Names and descriptions for files can be misleading and you could end up with inappropriate materials

Viruses – Often a virus can be attached to a file that is shared across the network. The virus can infect your personal machine

Spyware – Spyware (small applications that install themselves on your machine and then transmit information back to somewhere else on the Internet) can be downloaded with files without your knowledge

Illegal – Many files shared in P2P networks are copyrighted and should not be shared out or downloaded. Legal action by the owners of the copyrighted works, against users illegally sharing the files could arise

Paedophiles – Paedophiles can use P2P communities to distribute child porn materials or attempt to make contact with children

Large Fine or Prison – There are companies that monitor P2P networks that gather evidence of people downloading illegal files. Once they have proof they contact the ISP or business and serve a subpoena for the information of the person. Once they have that they will send a letter to the person telling them of what they did and then tell them to pay a fine or go to prison. The fine can range anywhere from $100,000 + per file and the minimum prison time is 10 years

Homes or business users of P2P application must therefore, be vigilant the next time they decide to share some files with friends.

One of the easiest ways P2P users can avoid exploitation is to avoid using P2P networks. If file sharing is important to you for business or personal purposes, experts advise that networks and programs in which the copyright owner gives permission to buy and exchange the file be used.

Experts further recommend that when users install P2P programs they read the software’s End User License Agreement (EULA) before agreeing to install the application. “Don't install software whose legalese contains questionable phrases such as ‘from time to time’, ‘we may make your information available to third parties’, and ‘you agree to allow third-party software to be installed into your computer’.”

When downloading legally bought files, reject offers to install software that will enable others to access the files located on your computer or network. In addition, you should be running up-to-date antivirus software, firewall, adware and Spyware scanners and blockers.

Wagley adds that businesses, in addition to blocking the use of P2P programs in the office should develop clear policies on laptop use and on using business files on home machines should be developed.  “Companies also may want to rework their file naming conventions to make it less likely that outsiders will stumble on their sensitive files.” (Wagley, 2007)

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