From Identity Theft Resource Center

ITRC Solution 19

Posted in: Teen Fact Sheets, Prevention Tips

By Identity Theft Resource Center
Feb 19, 2010 - 3:38:24 PM

ITRC Solution 19 - File Sharing and
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Software Safety

One of the great things about the internet is that you can now share files with people all around the globe. Programs like FrostWire, BearShare, Limewire, Morpheus, Kazaa, etc. allow you to share and download movies, music, pictures, almost anything you could want with the online community.

Unfortunately, these programs are not 100% safe. These programs allow users to gain access to your computer and the files that are on it. Not just the files that are in your designated “to share” folder, but potentially EVERYTHING you have stored on your computer.

Users of file share programs have been able to access private pictures, tax return information, banking records, student loan applications, and just about everything else that a person would store on their computer. In a study on P2P file sharing activity, experts found there are about 966 million P2P searches done every day around the world. Of that number, about 800,000 of the search inquiries involved the terms “credit cards, credit reports, tax returns, bank accounts, medical insurance, and passwords” *

Protect Yourself:
There are several things you can do to protect your information being accessed:

Do not store this kind of information on the same computer you use for file sharing. Have a separate computer set aside specifically for file sharing or store your sensitive information someplace other than on your computer (burned CDs, burned DVDs, external hard drive, etc.
Check the security preferences for the program you are using. See if you can set it so that only designated folders can be accessed by the file sharing program.
Look into encrypting personal and vital information. Some newer computers come with this function already built in. For older computers, there are several companies that offer user-friendly encryption software for your home computer.

* facts taken from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Man accused of exploiting peer-to-peer software http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/330676_idtheft07.html

This Solution should not be used in lieu of legal advice. Any requests to reproduce this material, other than by individual victims or their own use, should be directed to ITRC@idtheftcenter.org .