Awareness Campaign - Computer Security 101
Question 5:
Using peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing software could put your computer’s security at risk because:
Answer:
| A. | Some P2P file-sharing software might secretly install spyware or adware. | |
| B. | You may be allowing your computer to act as an illegal file-sharing server without your knowledge. | |
| C. | The stuff that you download could disguise a program designed to hijack your system. | |
| D. | You could unknowingly be sharing institutional data stored on your computer. | |
 | E. | All of the above. |
Even if you think you are taking measures to do the right thing, you might still be at risk. For example, scam artists will, for a fee, provide access to a library of music, while using your computer as a file-sharing server to unlawfully share music with others. Also, even if you’ve set your file-sharing software to download only, some programs automatically reset themselves every time you reboot. To be safe, get rid of your peer-to-peer (P2P) software and only get your media from fully licensed web sites. For more information regarding using Peer-to-Peer file sharing safely and appropriately checkout www.bayu.umich.edu/basics.php
