Peer-to-Peer Software

Security Issues

There are security vulnerabilities associated with peer-to-peer file sharing programs. When you're using peer-to-peer software, you're giving a lot of implicit trust to a lot of people who will be affecting your computer: the software writers, the creators of the files being distributed, and the peers sharing files are all involved with your computer's security. With peer-to-peer networks, you have to trust that the peer-to-peer software writers are responsible, keep their software well patched, haven't included code to take your passwords, and so forth. In addition, you have to trust that the people making the files you download haven't included viruses or other malicious software, and that the people sending the files to you also haven't included viruses or malicious software. There is no central authority with security responsibility in a peer-to-peer network.

Some peer-to-peer software writers have already failed the test of trust. One of the most notorious examples is Kazaa Lite, which installed not only itself but also a large number of spyware and malware applications that tracked users, recorded their information without their consent, and sent that information to the spyware creators. Because there are so many different peer-to-peer software packages, you need to carefully research what's known about each software program and whether there are any known vulnerabilities or unwanted behavior included with it.

Related Links:
General Security Information About File Sharing