From Leo's mailbag:
> From: A Computer User
> Sent: November 6, 2005
> To: Ask Leo!
> Subject: do peer-to-peer programs allow others access to my other files?
>
> Leo,
> Would a peer to peer file sharing program such as Napster or
> Morpheus installed on my computer allow someone to access or
> steal / copy any files on my computer... I use DSL and at the
> time had no firewall installed?
First off, get behind a firewall of some sort. These days you're
just asking for trouble if you're not.
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_keep_my_computer_safe_on_the_internet.html
Now, as to your question ... in *theory*, no. Remote sites
*should* not be able to use those programs to access your machine.
However there are two issues: 1) you're trusting that those programs
don't have exploits or bugs or back doors that would allow hackers
to do so 2) you're also trusting that the programs didn't come with
a bunch of spyware. I can't speak to #1 only than to say it makes
me nervous, and as for #2 - I have heard many reports of copies of
peer-to-peer programs that, depending on where you get them, come
with a lot of spyware that is then installed on your machine.
So use them if you feel you need to, but be VERY careful.
Thanks for asking,
Leo
Article 908
| Category:
Viruses and Malware
