Articles

How to Tackle the Dangers of File Sharing?

by Aida Martin Norton Setup

With the advent of the internet and technology, sharing stuff has become easy. Now, people can take pictures of their baby and instantly send it to their families and friends. Late at night, students can share class notes with their classmates. While sharing files and data over the internet is definitely easy, there are also various dangers associated with it. Just securing a file before transferring it is not sufficient. We must ensure that the path and mode of file transfer are secure.

If you plan on using file-sharing technology be sure that your personal data and other sensitive materials are secure and safeguarded before you engage with a file sharing service online. Here are some useful tips to help you understand the dangers of file sharing, and how to prevent a malicious attack.

Risks of File Sharing Technology

File sharing consists of employing technology that lets individuals share files that are stored on their systems using the internet. Peer-to-Peer file sharing apps, like JustBeamIt or Infinit, are very popular amongst people. Nevertheless, these apps involve safety risks that might expose your data or device to threats.

Moreover, often it is not quite possible to verify the identity of those we are sharing data with. Also, people get lured by freeware and download software and files without knowing about its source. These files may contain malicious code or virus.

Cybercriminals inject malware, keyloggers, viruses, worm, ransomware, etc., in files and upload them online. They hide the malicious code in seemingly harmless files. They deceive you into thinking that you are downloading a game, but in reality, the game has been injected with a malicious code.

In addition to that, Peer-to-Peer apps might give access to your private data to others. The directories can be accessed by others, and unauthorized individuals can also access your data. This puts you at the risk of identity theft.

How to share files safely

If you intend to use file-sharing tech, then ensure that all your private files are safe. You must be aware of the risks associated with online file sharing and know how to guard against them. Merely protecting documents with a password before sharing is not enough.

You must always be vigilant about the information you are sending and the files you are receiving. Scan every file before downloading it on your computer. If you have to send a sensitive file, then encrypt the file and use a paid service such as Dropbox for the transfer. Also, stay miles away from freeware. Do not download pirated stuff on your device.

Invest in a security program that helps guard your computer and data. If you do not have a robust security suite, then do not waste time and get one now. Get a robust security program which has the sophistication of keeping up with the emerging threats. KEep your security suite updated at all times. Invest in multi-layered protection and always keep the system firewall turned on.

Aida Martin is a self-professed security expert; she has been making the people aware of the security threats. Her passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. She writes for Norton security products at www.norton.com/setup .

Source:- https://go-norton.com/how-to-tackle-the-dangers-of-file-sharing/


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About Aida Martin Senior   Norton Setup

171 connections, 2 recommendations, 576 honor points.
Joined APSense since, May 22nd, 2018, From Houston, United States.

Created on Sep 17th 2018 04:39. Viewed 393 times.

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