File Sharing, otherwise known as Peer To Peer. (P2P) - Safer-Networking Forums

**tashi** · 2005-11-08, 20:57

Update:
Please see Post #3 below.
http://forums.spybot.info/showpost.php?p=218503&postcount=3

=========================================

While P2P programs allow the creation of a network and enable you to connect with other users to upload or download
material in a fast efficient manner, (often games, music, and films), using P2P is the cause of many infections.

File Sharing Programs are not to be confused with the actual files one uses a P2P program to upload/download.

None of the files you download can be guaranteed to contain the content as described by their name. Indeed many can and do contain viruses, trojans or spyware; especially as file downloads are typically from unknown sources. Malware writers can use methods to circumvent security programs.

If you have downloaded cracks-warez-keygenerators, the odds are you already have an infected computer.

Many entertainment files infringe the copyright laws and if you share them, knowingly or unknowingly, you are putting yourself at risk of prosecution and huge fines.

**tashi** · 2005-11-08, 21:56

Open source programs are distributed under a license that allows for repackaging and redistribution.

In a nutshell this means the program could be modified by unscrupulous parties to bundle malware and then passed off as the original application.

Download programs from the official web site of the program's developer.

Of interest:
Resources for open-source developers and a directory of in-development open-source software.

**tashi** · 2008-07-31, 18:35

Many people seeking help in the malware removal forum have a computer infected by the practice of P2P file sharing.

Our policy:

If such programs are on your computer you will be asked to uninstall them and help withdrawn should you not agree.

Please be aware that Tools used during the cleanup will probably detect these programs and remove them.

Once the machine is clean, if you return with another infection contracted by the use of P2P programs, volunteer analysts may refuse assistance.

2005-11-08, 20:57	#1
tashi Member of Team Spybot Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: USA Posts: 21,628 Rated LASSHes: 12	File Sharing, otherwise known as Peer To Peer. (P2P) Update: Please see Post #3 below. http://forums.spybot.info/showpost.php?p=218503&postcount=3 ========================================= While P2P programs allow the creation of a network and enable you to connect with other users to upload or download material in a fast efficient manner, (often games, music, and films), using P2P is the cause of many infections. File Sharing Programs are not to be confused with the actual files one uses a P2P program to upload/download. None of the files you download can be guaranteed to contain the content as described by their name. Indeed many can and do contain viruses, trojans or spyware; especially as file downloads are typically from unknown sources. Malware writers can use methods to circumvent security programs. If you have downloaded cracks-warez-keygenerators, the odds are you already have an infected computer. Many entertainment files infringe the copyright laws and if you share them, knowingly or unknowingly, you are putting yourself at risk of prosecution and huge fines. Last edited by tashi; 2009-06-19 at 18:08.

2005-11-08, 21:56	#2
tashi Member of Team Spybot Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: USA Posts: 21,628 Rated LASSHes: 12	Open Source File Sharing Programs Open source programs are distributed under a license that allows for repackaging and redistribution. In a nutshell this means the program could be modified by unscrupulous parties to bundle malware and then passed off as the original application. Download programs from the official web site of the program's developer. Of interest: Resources for open-source developers and a directory of in-development open-source software.

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2008-07-31, 18:35	#3
tashi Member of Team Spybot Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: USA Posts: 21,628 Rated LASSHes: 12	Many people seeking help in the malware removal forum have a computer infected by the practice of P2P file sharing. Our policy: If such programs are on your computer you will be asked to uninstall them and help withdrawn should you not agree. Please be aware that Tools used during the cleanup will probably detect these programs and remove them. Once the machine is clean, if you return with another infection contracted by the use of P2P programs, volunteer analysts may refuse assistance. __________________ UNITE-ASAP Microsoft MVP. Consumer Security 2006-2009 Please help us improve Spybot, download our distributed testing client Last edited by tashi; 2009-04-11 at 11:25. Reason: Update