What are the risks of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing?
Peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing allows users to share files online through an informal network of computers running the same software. Whether it is music, games, or software, file-sharing can give people access to a wealth of information. Every day, millions of computer users share files online. To share files through a P2P network, you download special software that connects your computer to other computers running the same software. Millions of users could be connected to each other through this software at one time. The software often is free. File-sharing can have a number of risks. For example, when you are connected to file-sharing programs, you may unknowingly allow others to copy private files – even giving access to entire folders and subfolders – you never intended to share. You may download material that is protected by copyright laws and find yourself mired in legal issues. You may download a virus, malware, spyware, or facilitate a data security breach. Or you may unwitti
