Protect your system while downloading &
P2P file sharing

Shield yourself from Internet threats

P2P file sharing can be a dangerous activity for the unprepared. Whether it's from hackers or malware (malicious software), it is something that every computer user must be ready for if they are going to evade the very serious problems that can develop as a result of being exposed to it.

In the early days of computing, before networks became common, hacking wasn't really an issue, and malware could only be transmitted by floppy disk or other removable media. This would naturally limit the problem, but with the Internet now connecting billions of computers around the world, even casual web browsing puts your system under constant attack, and preventative measures are essential.

As you are interested in more than just web browsing you must be extra vigilant and protect yourself from the added dangers that media downloading and P2P file sharing can present. Luckily it’s not that difficult and can be done very cheaply, or even completely free.

The main threats to your machine:

1. Hacking

2. Viruses & Worms

3. Adware & Spyware

Hacking has been placed at the top of this list because, of the three, it's probably the most misunderstood and shrouded in confusion. The result is a certain amount of paranoia that unfortunately leads to many people being either afraid to pursue their downloading interests, or anxious that they have left themselves open to a hacker because of their P2P file sharing activities.

The measures listed below are there primarily to help protect you from automated hacking attempts. Although dangerous, they are not intelligent, and as a result relatively easy to block.

Of course, if a gifted hacker wants access to your machine, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. But why would they want to, and even if they did, what are the chances of them singling you out amongst the millions of other P2P users out there? Practically zero, so let the FBI, intelligence services and mega corporations worry about them, while you concentrate on being a savvy top level downloader.

Hacking

Hacking is the act of gaining unauthorised access to a system or network from an external source. Once this has been achieved, your computer is at the complete mercy of the hacker who can delete, edit or copy your files, or anything else as if they were sat right at your desk.

 

Keep your computer secure by carrying out the following:

• If you use a router, enable its built-in firewall
• Make sure your wireless network is secure Find out more
• Keep your operating system updated
• Install a software firewall

There is a free firewall included with ‘Windows XP Service Pack 2’ which provides basic security, but it is not designed to replace dedicated firewall software. For a recommended replacement there is one included in the ZoneAlarm Internet security suite.

Further advice

To ensure the integrity of your machine you should also seriously consider using a registry cleaning program. These scan your system’s registry, and repair the many errors that occur during everyday use, which erode away the performance of your machine, making it easier for hackers to succeed. The preferred one is TuneUp which does a whole lot more.

Now on to Viruses & Worms.

Become an expert downloader with the step-by-step tutorials and more in
'The Essential Guide to Downloading'

P2P file sharing security (Top)