This topic is locked
Yet you are quite happy to have Napster on your PC, which is potentially one of the most distructive things you can do. Just in case you don't know, here are some facts:
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 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 programmes 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 with these applications causes a significant amount of traffic over your internet connection; it also 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 programmes.
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 risks that P2P programmes can open you up too. I urge you to strongly consider not using these types of programmes. If you still choose to use them, research what the best security settings are for the P2P programme you choose using your favourite search engine, 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 you don't violate any laws or expose your own data here.
I've said my bit, and I don't expect you to write back apologising at all, so here are your final instructions which BTW have been done by thousands of people without harm.
Just a little bit more to do to prevent further infection.
Reset and Re-enable your System Restore to remove bad files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in System Restore are protected to prevent any programmes changing them. This is the only way to clean these files: (You will lose all previous restore points which are likely to be infected.)
To reset your restore points, please note that you will need to log into your computer with an account which has full administrator access. You will know if the account has administrator access because you will be able to see the System Restore tab. If the tab is missing, you are logged in under a limited account.
(Windows XP)
1. Turn off System Restore.On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
Check Turn off System Restore.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
2. Reboot.
3. Turn ON System Restore.On the Desktop, right-click My Computer.
Click Properties.
Click the System Restore tab.
UN-Check *Turn off System Restore*.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
I recommend going to the following link and update as recommended by Microsoft. This adds more security and extra features including a pop-up blocker for Internet Explorer. Microsoft Update
MVPS Hosts file This replaces your current HOSTS file with one that will restrict known ad sites from serving you unsolicited advertisements. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is the IP of your local computer.
SiteAdvisor download this plug-in for your browser and it will alert you of a known bad site for FREE.
Now that everything is fixed, I suggest that you consider getting these programmes to help keep the computer clean:
SPYWARE BLASTER - Blocks bad ActiveX items from installing on your computer.
WINDOWS DEFENDER - With daily updates and scans, this programme offers good security against malware.
AD-AWARE PERSONAL – A fine free malware detector and removal programme
SPYBOT S&D – Excellent free spyware detector and removal programme
GOOGLE TOOLBAR - Blocks many unwanted pop-ups in Internet Explorer.
FIREFOX - Safer alternative to the Internet Explorer web browser.
AVG ANTIVIRUS FREE EDITION - Free antivirus programme if you currently are not using one.
ZONEALARM - Free firewall programme if you currently are not using one (Windows XP has a built-in firewall).
Remember to update these frequently.
Please note that whilst there is nothing wrong in having more than one antispyware programme for “on demand” scanning, having two or more antivirus systems is not recommended as they may well cause conflicts and slowness.
You may also want to read "How did I get infected in the first place" to learn how to better secure your computer.
Be sure to keep your Windows, antispyware and antivirus updated.
It just remains for me to wish you happy safe surfing; I hope you found my advice helpful.
Sign In
Create Account
