FTC Puts Out P2P Virus, Spyware Alert

A formal warning to consumers about virus and spyware risks plus copyright problems and unwitting porn downloads, among other online file-swapping hazards, was released August 1 by the Federal Trade Commission.

"(W)hen consumers are connected to file-sharing programs," the agency said announcing the alert, "they may unknowingly allow others to copy private files they never intended to share; consumers may download material that is protected by the copyright laws and find themselves mired in legal issues; consumers may download a virus or facilitate a security breach; or consumers may unwittingly download pornography labeled as something else."

The FTC recommended computer users set up file sharing programs "very carefully, checking all the proper settings so only intended files are shared."

Spyware monitors your browsing habits and sends that information to third parties whether or not you want them to have it. Closing the connection entirely after using the program in a given session is your best protection against it, but you can also obtain spyware-cleansing freeware online, programs such as Spybot Search & Destroy, which prowls your hard drives for any spyware inserted onto your computer through file-swap programs or pop-up banner ads and cleans it out. 

Adware "is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running," as WhatIs.com puts it. "The authors of these applications include additional code that delivers the ads, which can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen. The justification for adware is that it helps recover programming development cost and helps to hold down the cost for the user.

"Adware has been criticized for occasionally including code that tracks a user's personal information and passes it on to third parties, without the user's authorization or knowledge," WhatIs.com continues. "This practice has been dubbed spyware and has prompted an outcry from computer security and privacy advocates."

The FTC urges parents to talk to their children about their P2P activities, especially in light of the recently begun music industry campaign to hunt and bring music swappers to account for copyright violations, but also because they may not know when their file swapping time has brought unwanted spyware or porn has snuck into their computers when swapping files.

"Also, because other peoples' files sometimes are mislabeled, kids unintentionally may download these files," the FTC continued. "In addition, kids may not understand the security and other risks involved with file-sharing and may install the software incorrectly, giving anyone on the Internet access to the family's private computer files."