BleepingComputer.com: Limewire?

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Thats probably the one thing that can not be stressed enough and to any one who doubts that try being infected with the ultimate defender trojan its torture

This post has been edited by JacksonT: 27 December 2007 - 04:59 AM

Using any P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing program is a security risk which can make your system susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections, remote attacks, and exposure of personal information. Even the safest P2P file sharing programs that do not contain bundled spyware, still expose you to risks because of the very nature of the P2P file sharing process. By default, most P2P file sharing programs are configured to automatically launch at startup. They are also configured to allow other P2P users on the same network open access to a shared directory on your computer.

The reason for this is that file sharing relies on its members giving and gaining unfettered access to computers across the P2P network. However, this practice can make you vulnerable to data and identity theft. Even if you change those risky default settings to a safer configuration, the act of downloading files from an anonymous source greatly increases your exposure to infection. This is because the files you are downloading may actually contain a disguised threat. Many malicious worms and trojans, such as the Storm Worm, target and spread across P2P files sharing networks because of their known vulnerabilities.

At BC, it is our desire to provide our Members with help in removing malware, even if the Member became infected by using P2P file sharing. However, no Member should expect to receive recurring help if they ignore best computer security practices by not taking adequate precautions to prevent re-infecting their machines.

Talking about P2P is like talking about sex, you don't. Unless of course someone happens to bring the subject up, then you can't get anyone to shut up.

So, as much as P2P is something of a taboo and treacherous waters to tread on here, let me just say this for the record:

First, I very rarely use P2P myself even though I'm the bloke that brought the subject up in the first place. My quest has been to find the fasted (and safest) P2P. This is because when I do use P2P it seems to almost freeze up my ancient PC every time. (I'm hoping to remedy that very soon by putting together a new PC).

Second, thank you all for your advice of caution and being safe if and when you use it. And thank you for teaching me a few things I didn't know, like a few other torrent programs that show some promise. Also, I didn't know about staying away from .exe and .zip files. Most all of my torrent downloads are of different file types then .exe and .zip.

Third, I like most people having spent a little time on the Internet have learned the basics of PC safety and maintenance and I feel pretty confident that I'm safe using P2P.

That said, I still need to find out more about setting up the option in Bit Torrent to have a compatible virus scanner scan downloads while downloading (I think that's how that works). The Norton protection suit that I use doesn't seem to be compatible for setting it up in the Bit options.

Also, Norton seems to have a mind of it's own doing a virus scan at least once a day usually twice or more. I have configured Norton but it still finds a way to do more scans than I think are necessary. So, I'm being amply scanned for safety I'm pretty sure.

I also am quit familiar with re-installing etc. and have everything that is legal and that I need to do that if the unthinkable happens.

All that said, each torrent program does seem to have it's own niche. I'm sure if you don't already know what they are that you'll figure out what they are.

Lastly and once again I thank everyone for their input on this most voracious yet delicate subject and I apologize if I've opened Pandora's box but you know what they say about opening Pandora's box don't you.

"Quick, find the delete key."

Hmm , or is that:

"Get a job stupid"

CHEERS!

John

This post has been edited by Johnz414: 27 December 2007 - 03:12 PM

most forums will only allow a discussion on cleaning up after the unwise use of P2P programs when a computer is presented that has been inevitably infected by the use OF such programs; P2P more frequently than not involves circumventing copyright , let alone bypassing most if not ALL of your supposed computer protection ; and voila; you are infected (and maybe your Bank and other private details such as passwords etc nabbed ) ; are you prepared for that?

I've gotten more response on this one post than on all my other posts combined!

But yes, safety first by all means.

if I may add another comment? you say you have Norton on board? it is not the be all and end all of computer security and antivirus protection ,and is a known computer resourse hogger ;if you have already been dabbling IN P2P and other such stuff you may well already be infected without knowing it

Johnz414, on Dec 28 2007, 06:53 AM, said:

Right to that (Y)

limewire is an open door to malware regardess of how careful you are. it will allow just about anything in and then you'll have real problems. p2p is not the best method of getting anything since you have no idea what is in the download. i used bittorent a couple times and gtot viruses up the wazoo from each file. they were supposed to be "virus" free but whoever checked them didn't open them.
limewire is very much the same.

papa5513, on Dec 28 2007, 03:10 PM, said:

LimeWire isn't technically an open door to malware. As long as you virus scan and spyware scan them before opening, you can usually beat the infection.

this
http://aresgalaxy.sourceforge.net/p2prisks.htm gives interesting reading on the risks and use of P2P

do not say you have not been warned

I would recommend Deluge for torrent clients. They are a vast number of clients out there. I wouldn't particularly say that any single one is the best. It's like buying a car, get a client that does what you WANT it to do. I like Deluge because it's encryption is compatible with uTorrent and Vuze (formerly Azureus). Also I like the advance features Deluge offers as well.