P2P Applications
Peer to Peer technology has been around now for a few years, applications such as BitTorrent, iMesh, eDonkey, and Grokster use a series of computers as a network allowing individuals to share files back and forth between each other without relying on a central location. These networks create a very stable and reliable way to share information, however, there is a dark side to this sharing of information.
- Copyright Infringement - This sharing of files can very easily lead to violation of Federal and State copyright laws. It is against the law in the United States to copy intellectual property without permission of the copyright holder. Many of these applications will claim that there downloads are legit and that downloading from them will not get you into any trouble, however, we recommend that you read the small print that states that only certain downloads are legit, better yet, use an application that you purchase your files from.
- Bandwidth Violation - Many of these applications rely on high bandwidth providers, such as university systems, to provide a high quality of service for their downloads, as such when these applications are run on these types of networks they provide very fast downloads, and at the same time degrade the network for legitimate uses of the university such as research and business use of the campus.
- Possible Data Breaches - File sharing is exactly that, sharing of files, these programs are designed to share files, and improperly configured applications can make any and possibly all files on your computer available to anyone else using the same P2P network that you are using. We have seen tax records, social security cards, immigration records, bank account statements, and many other very sensitive information shared with the P2P online world.
- Malware Infection Vector - Many malware writers use P2P applications to spread their tools to unsuspecting downloaders, with the promise of "free software" comes the very real possibility that you are opening your computer to an infection that could expose your credit cards, bank accounts, and who knows what else to criminals.
Peer to Peer technology is a great tool for quick downloads, but while on the campus of NDSU, we suggest you uninstall any of these types of applications.
1-18-2013
Facebook Releases Graph Search
This new tool from Facebook is a very powerful search engine based on Like, Tags, and Check-ins of its members, while this may make finding intrests of your friends a little easier, it may also be used by others for phishing and other nefarious types of attacks. As you should with all of your social media accounts, please check your privacy settings often.
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11-14-2012
Microsoft Releases Security Patches
Microsoft, yesterday, released six security patches including the first patch to their new operating system Windows 8. Four of the patches released are listed as critical, as the vulnerabilities that are patched could allow an attacker to remotely execute code. These should be patched as quickly as possible.
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11-06-2012
PC Security: Your essential software toolbox
Mobile malware is getting lots of attention these days, but you can’t forget about your PC’s security—after all, you probably still use it to pay bills, shop online, and store sensitive documents. You should fully protect yourself to lessen the chance of cybercriminals infiltrating your computer and your online accounts, capturing your personal information, invading your privacy, and stealing your money and identity.
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