Every day, millions of computer users
share files online. Whether it is music, games, or software,
file-sharing can give people access to a wealth of information.
You simply download special software that connects your
computer to an informal network of 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 and easily accessible.
Sounds promising, right? Maybe, but
make sure that you consider the trade-offs. The Federal
Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection
agency, cautions that 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 you never intended to share. You may download
material that is protected by the copyright laws and
find yourself mired in legal issues. You may download
a virus or facilitate a security breach. Or you may
unwittingly download pornography labeled as something
else.
To secure the personal information
stored on your computer, the FTC suggests that you:
Set up the file-sharing software very carefully.
If you don't check the proper settings when you install
the software, you could open access not just to the
files you intend to share, but also to other information
on your hard drive, like your tax returns, email messages,
medical records, photos, or other personal documents.
Be aware of spyware. Some file-sharing programs
install other software known as spyware. Spyware monitors
a user's browsing habits and then sends that data
to third parties. Sometimes the user gets ads based
on the information that the spyware has collected
and disseminated. Spyware can be difficult to detect
and remove. Before you use any file-sharing program,
you may want to buy software that can prevent the
downloading of spyware or help detect it on your hard
drive.
Close your connection. In some instances, closing
the file-sharing program window does not actually
close your connection to the network. That allows
file-sharing to continue and could increase your security
risk. If you have a high-speed or "broadband"
connection to the Internet, you stay connected to
the Internet unless you turn off the computer or disconnect
your Internet service. These "always on"
connections may allow others to copy your shared files
at any time. What's more, some file-sharing programs
automatically open every time you turn on your computer.
As a preventive measure, you may want to adjust the
file-sharing program's controls to prevent the file-sharing
program from automatically opening.
Use and update your anti-virus software regularly.
Files you download could be mislabeled, hiding a virus
or other unwanted content. Use anti-virus software
to protect your computer from viruses you might pick
up from other users through the file-sharing program.
Although your virus filter should prevent your computer
from receiving possibly destructive files, computer
security experts suggest you avoid files with extensions
like .exe, .scr, .lnk, .bat, .vbs, .dll, .bin, and
.cmd.
Talk with your family about
file-sharing. Parents may not be aware that their
children have downloaded file-sharing software on
the family computer and that they may have exchanged
games, videos, music, pornography, or other material
that may be inappropriate for them. Also, because
other peoples' files sometimes are mislabeled, kids
unintentionally may download these files. In addition,
kids may not understand the security and other risks
involved with file-sharing and may install the software
incorrectly, giving anyone on the Internet access
to the family's private computer files.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive
and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information
to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a
complaint or to get free
information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov
or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The
FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related
complaints into
Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil
and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.