P2P Networks: The dangers of Kazaa and other file sharing platforms explained.
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Charles Oakland June 04, 2007
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Using Kazaa and other peer-to-peer networking programs can be
alluring to the uneducated user. The music is within easy grasp, the
clients are simple to use, and even the communication aspects are
things that people find irresistible. But before you delve into the
world of music downloading, there are a few things that every user
needs to know. Through proper information we can be forewarned. And
forewarned is forearmed.
P2P networks are a breeding ground for viruses and malicious software
When you first install Kazaa or any other peer-to-peer networking
programs, the first thing that crosses most of our minds is the music
we’re thinking of downloading. What we should be asking though, is what
dangers are involved and is it worth the risk of using this software!
It’s time to get forewarned people!
The first thing that needs to be understood is that installing this
software gives any potential viruses an entry point into our computers.
It’s through P2P programs that viruses are able to bypass the general
security software on our computers, such as firewalls and anti-virus
software. These security systems do have flaws, especially when you’re
basically opening the door and letting these critters roam on in.
All of these viruses have only two functions, but it’s enough to do
a lot of damage. The first function is to replicate and spread to other
users, and the second is to carry out the objective they were
programmed to perform. The objective can be anything from erasing data
that screws up different programs in you’re computer, it can make your
computer difficult to load by using your system’s resources, and it can
even cause programs and files to completely disappear.
For example, the ‘My doom’ virus recently got a foothold into Kazaa
and spread at a ferocious rate. The virus would sit in someone’s
download folder and assume the name of a popular file. That file would
then be downloaded by another user, and the infection would keep
spreading until it got out of hand. The result, 1000’s of people with
damaged computer systems, and a lot of frustrated users.
What about Spyware?
Spyware is exactly as the name implies, (Spying Software). This
spying software can usually be located within the P2P client itself,
and it’s used to collect information that is later sold to various
advertising companies. You know what that means right? Not only do you
have viruses to worry about, you also got Kazaa violating your basic
constitutional rights. It’s absolutely atrocious that these Kazaa and
other companies are making money off the average user in this way
The RIAA
If you thought there were only two things to worry about, you were
wrong. The Recording industry association of America is also out to get
you. Their strategy to counter online piracy is to make an example of
the people who use these programs. Don’t think for a second your safe,
because 1000’s of people have already been slapped with lawsuits.
The RIAA finds out who you are by following a fairly simple process
that leads to an eventual charge of copy right infringement. First,
your IP is obtained from sharing music online. Second, a lawsuit is
filed against a “john doe user”, because a specific name can’t be
obtained from your IP address alone. Third, a subpoena is requested
against your internet service provider, accepted, and your full name is
given to the RIAA. Lastly, the RIAA will usually write a letter
demanding a settlement, and if refused, the RIAA will then amend their
lawsuit to name you as the John Doe user, and proceed with trial.
There have been 15,000 lawsuits filed since 2003, and the number is
continuing to rise. The increasing number lawsuits is just another of
the many dangers of using P2P networking for your source of music
downloading.
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