File sharing through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks has been popular for some time now. The legal and ethical issues around file sharing make it controversial, but when used properly it can also be very useful. The down side is that you are sharing your computer with anonymous strangers and accessing files from other anonymous stranger’s computers. That means that joining or using a P2P network requires some added safety precautions. This article provides 4 steps to help you share and swap files without becoming a victim.

1. Don’t Use P2P On a Corporate Network:
   At least, don’t ever install a P2P client or use P2P network file sharing on a corporate network without explicit permission- preferably in writing. Having other P2P users downloading files from your computer can clog the company’s network bandwidth. That is the best-case scenario. You may also inadvertently share company files of a sensitive or confidential nature. All of the other concerns listed below are also a factor.
2. Beware The Client Software:
   There are two reasons to be cautious of the P2P network software that you must install in order to participate on the file-sharing network. First, the software is often under fairly continuous development and may be buggy. Installing the software might cause system crashes or problems with your computer in general. Another factor is that the client software is typically hosted from every participating user’s machine and could potentially be replaced with a malicious version that may install a virus or Trojan on your computer. The P2P providers do have security safeguards in place which would make such a malicious replacement exceptionally difficult though.
3. Don’t Share Everything:
   When you install P2P client software and join a P2P network like BitTorrent, there is generally a default folder for sharing designated during the installation. The designated folder should contain only files that you want others on the P2P network to be able to view and download. Many users unknowingly designate the root “C:” drive as their shared files folder which enables everyone on the P2P network to see and access virtually every file and folder on the entire hard drive, including critical operating system files.
4. Scan Everything
   You should treat all downloaded files with the utmost suspicion. As mentioned earlier, you have virtually no way of ensuring that what you downloaded is what you think it is or that it doesn’t also contain some sort of Trojan or virus. It is important that you run protective security software such as the Prevx Home IPS and/or antivirus software. You should also scan your computer periodically with a tool such as Ad-Aware to ensure you haven’t unwittingly installed spyware on your system. You should perform a virus scan using updated antivirus software on any file you download before you execute or open it. It may still be possible that it could contain malicious code that your antivirus vendor is unaware of or does not detect, but scanning it before opening it will help you prevent most attacks.