[Adzi]

Hi there,
I've been asked to research Peer 2 Peer software and remote access. Now I have a limited knowlege of P2P (peer to peer) software and accessing files, so please correct me if im wrong in saying that with p2p a user may download files from another user but the other user cannot send files directly to the reciever without consent on the recievers behalf?

Any Help with this matter is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Adam!

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Hi. Just to make an example, if you use Limewire let's say... You download a song from Average Joe's computer. You are able to receive the file from Joe, but he cannot force a download (or upload in his case) on you, unless there is a form of malware in the download which allows him to crack his way in. So unless the files received are bugged, then no, he cannot force a download or upload on you.

[Facedown98]

Hi. Just to make an example, if you use Limewire let's say... You download a song from Average Joe's computer. You are able to receive the file from Joe, but he cannot force a download (or upload in his case) on you, unless there is a form of malware in the download which allows him to crack his way in. So unless the files received are bugged, then no, he cannot force a download or upload on you.

[Dwight]

please take a look at post #4

http://www.geekstogo...howtopic=135169

[Adzi]

Hi. Just to make an example, if you use Limewire let's say... You download a song from Average Joe's computer. You are able to receive the file from Joe, but he cannot force a download (or upload in his case) on you, unless there is a form of malware in the download which allows him to crack his way in. So unless the files received are bugged, then no, he cannot force a download or upload on you.

please take a look at post #4

http://www.geekstogo...howtopic=135169

Thanks alot. This has really helped me with what I'm researching.

[Dwight]

glad to help, good luck with it.

Dwight

[Facedown98]

Don't forget to encourage the person(s) not to use it!

[Kurenai]

Feh, p2p software is great. I use it to get software patches for games (so as not to clog up the manufacturer's site), documentation on nearly anything, linux distrobutions (see above about developer's sites, and direct download), as well as many other legitimate usages.

Condemn the criminal, not the medium.

[Retired Tech]

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 lists only a few of the risks that P2P programmes can open you up to. You should consider not using these types of programmes.