“Free” P2P Content:  More Costly Than You Think!

Uploading and downloading music and movie files is illegal and is a violation of NEOUCOM’s File Sharing Policy.  You can lose your Internet connection if you get caught by the College, and you are subject to fines of up to $100,000 per song if the music industry catches you.  If that’s not enough, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks used to trade music files are fast becoming the preferred method to spread viruses.

P2P software such as Gnutella, E-Donkey, Kazaa, or BitTorrent may seem to be a convenient means of downloading multimedia, but this convenience is a double-edged sword.  Your ease in finding files is equally matched by the ease with which the copyright enforcement agency can find you.  These agencies can rapidly identify computers that are sharing files in violation of copyright – sometimes in as little as five minutes after the computer connects to the network.

Sharing files without permission of the copyright owner puts you at risk of a criminal and/or civil lawsuit.  In addition, unauthorized distribution of copyright material is a violation of NEOUCOM’s Acceptable Use Policy, and is subject to further action by Student Affairs.

Aside from the legal ramifications, however, P2P applications have some serious security issues that should discourage you from installing them on your personal computer:

1. P2P applications can come with risky third-party software.  P2P software often comes bundled with other applications which may interfere with the use of your computer.  Things like spyware and pop-up advertising can be annoying.  More nefarious programs, such as backdoors or web-tracking software, can also be installed without your knowledge.
2. P2P applications can be a vector for viruses.  Many of the highly successful viruses in circulation today use P2P programs running on an infected computer as an additional mechanism for propagation.
3. P2P applications open your computer to others.  Machines can be compromised when the application has vulnerabilities which allow worms, viruses, and hackers to exploit it.
4. P2P applications can make you liable for distribution of material.  Some P2P file sharing licenses allow the company to use your system as a distribution point for pirated software, videos, or audio files, a practice for which you are liable.

Need Help Removing P2P-Related Contamination?  If you’re a NEOUCOM student and need assistance removing a P2P application and associated malware (e.g. spyware, adware, viruses) from your computer, please contact Desktop Support at 330-325-6911.