For many of us who did not learn to use a computer keyboard and mouse before we could walk, terms like downloading files using BitTorrent or talking to friends on the Gnutella network sounds like having some dental procedure. But others in this generation, and certainly our kids, use those protocols and networks daily to chat and share pictures and videos with their friends though peer to peer or P2P file-sharing networks.
But the same feature of P2P software that underpins its functionality -- its ability to access and share files on your computer across the Internet -- also creates potential security vulnerabilities. The Federal Trade Commission investigated the reportedly largest provider of these P2P services - Limewire. The FTC alleged that older versions of the Limewire software contained security vulnerabilities that put users at risk of inadvertently sharing personal information, including social security numbers, bank account numbers and other matters, stored on their computers.
Limewire upgraded its software, incorporating safeguards into its user interface to help users avoid the inadvertent sharing of sensitive information. The company also said it would tell consumers to upgrade their Limewire software and inform consumers on how to best avoid inadvertent sharing, even though the company could not force users to upgrade (one version is free and the other is a one-time download for $39.99). In large part for those reasons, and the fact that the FTC found that users tended to upgrade voluntarily at a high rate (undoubtedly wanting the fastest service possible to share their latest creations), the FTC closed the investigation without action.
While no computer connected to the Internet is invulnerable, using the most recent version of P2P software may help reduce the vulnerability of your personal information to unintended disclosure.
- Ronald Lee and Beth DeSimone
