P2P: Network Security Steps for Smart File Sharing

Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing is an added benefit of the Internet age. P2P networks allow for files that reside on the connected computers to be shared among peers, which means files no longer have to be downloaded from central locations. However, due to copyright infringement, some file sharing is illegal. It’s your responsibility to find non-infringing free material to download.

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New laws stipulate what is legal and what is legal and what is considered pirated, and so it pays to keep up with the best practices and engage in smart file sharing.

The Bittorrent Protocol

The bittorrent protocol allows for the file sharing via peer 2 peer (P2P) networks. A torrent file may be shared on a third-party site where others can obtain the files. Intermediary sites allow peers to upload and download files. ‘Seeds’ or the number of sources offering content dictate speed and popularity of downloads. Software tools found at Vuze.com allow for P2P file sharing. Vuze’s website also provides tips to its users on the best ways to discover torrents that do not infringe on copyright.

Storage and Download

Often, users do not seek one-time content consumption, but repeated and constant maintenance of downloaded material. A user may transfer downloaded material to a computer drive. Alternatively, cloud services offered by Google, Amazon and others, may host torrent files.

It’s best to practice due diligence and to research the torrent sharing sites you intend to use. Some offering unauthorized material, so by using their services you run the risk of penalties and imprisonment. Even uploading copyright materials or making them available to peers is subject to fines and penalties, so always make sure you know what you are doing.

In long-armed cases, those merely maintaining illegal material have been subject to fines. Know the laws pertaining to online piracy and avoid punishment.

Time and Resources

Time and resources are major concerns for P2P users. It can take minutes or hours to download a given piece of content, depending on file type (video, picture, etc) and associated size of file.

Moreover, maintaining files on your hard drive while regularly downloading can use up a lot of memory on your device. To avoid clogging up needed resources, you can download content remotely or while away from the computer. You can also transfer downloaded files to a cloud provider to free up local resources. 

Forums

Some remain reluctant to try P2P file sharing despite its benefits. You can supplement your knowledge by visiting online forums and viewing questions and answers related to safe downloading, respectable third-party sites, and best practices for avoiding viruses.

Firewalls

A number of firewall providers also offer free and paid versions of virus-protection software and regular computer-monitoring tools. It’s best to install a free or paid firewall on your computer before downloading files from external sources, even if you believe in the source’s integrity.

It’s an added layer of protection and err on the side of caution, appreciated by those who escape costly viruses, potentially debilitating machines or compromising files within.

Barbara Alberts is a law student and avid blogger. You can find her interesting articles on a variety of Internet websites.

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