Blocking peer-to-peer applications

Although millions of people use peer-to-peer applications, don't for a moment think these apps are above suspicion. They pose some very serious threats to your organization's security. Here are some of those threats:

• A number of peer-to-peer applications automatically install malware when the file-sharing application is installed.
• Peer to peer applications allow users to share a portion of their hard disk, but it is sometimes possible for users to accidentally share their entire hard disk, exposing sensitive information to the world in the process.
• If a file-sharing application is used to exchange copyrighted music or video, then having those types of files on the hard drives of company-owned computers could potentially expose the company to copyright infringement or, in the case of sexually explicit content, sexual harassment-related litigation.
• If users are sharing files, they are probably also downloading files from others. This exposes your network to malware threats.
• It isn't usually a security issue, but peer-to-peer applications rob your organization of Internet bandwidth.

Blocking peer-to-peer applications

 Home: Introduction
 Step 1: Blocking peer-to-peer applications
 Step 2: Firewalls
 Step 3: Application-level filters
 Step 4: Software restriction with Group Policy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brien M. Posey, MCSE, is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional for his work with Windows 2000 Server and IIS. He has served as CIO for a nationwide chain of hospitals and was once in charge of IT security for Fort Knox. As a freelance technical writer, he has written for Microsoft, TechTarget, CNET, ZDNet, MSD2D, Relevant Technologies and other technology companies. You can visit his personal Web site at www.brienposey.com. Copyright 2005 TechTarget

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