TOPIC: RECOGNIZING FILE SHARING RISKS AND SAFETY

COMPETENCIES/ OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this lesson, we should be able to:

a) Identify the risks when sharing files; and

b) Recognize the safety, measures when sharing files.

LET’S ASK OURSELVES

 When is file sharing risky?
 What are the different ways to protect ourselves when sharing files?
LET’S FIND OUT!

FILE SHARING RISKS

 We can conveniently search and access files that we need from the Internet.
 However, we have to take precautions by knowing the different risks.
 These risks are common when we use peer-to-peer sharing.
COMMON RISKS
1. BROKEN FIREWALL
 A firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that helps screen out hackers, viruses,
and worms that reach our computers over the Internet.

 There are some networks in P2P that ask the users to disable their firewall protection to
proceed with the downloading of files.

 This will give other users or hackers opportunities to access their computers.

2. PIRACY
 Have you heard of the word "piracy?" The word reminds us
of the pirates from the sea, who steal treasures from other
ships.
  In relation to computers, piracy is the unauthorized distribution, theft, reproduction, duplication,
presentation, storage, sale, or other use of intellectual property (IP) protected under copyright
law.

 There are pirated copies of files on the Internet that we might now be aware of. Most of the time,
pirated copies are in poor quality and have malwares. When we download or share those files,
we are mistakenly supporting these illegal activities.

3. MALWARE
 There are users who share malicious software in P2P
sharing. Users tend to be attracted to the great "deals"
that they offer, big discounts for example, but ended with
a malware. A malicious software, commonly known as
malware, is any software that brings harm to a computer
system and steals information about the user.

 Malware has different forms and behavior once enabled.

A spyware monitors the user's activities to get private
information such as full name, birthday, home address,
and phone number, which can lead to identity theft. An
adware generates pop-up ads that share a user's
information to the advertisers. On the other hand, worms
and viruses can quickly spread and damage a computer.

FILE SHARING SAFETY

Now that we know the possible risks of file sharing, let us look at how we can be safe when we
share files.
1. Ask permission and assistance before sharing files.

Always ask an adult before accessing shared files from the Internet. This is to be sure that there
is an antivirus software and a firewall installed or updated on the computer.

2. Use legal file-sharing services.

When we use legal websites, we can be sure that we are not violating the law or a person and
still enjoy the advantages of file sharing.

3. Use our best judgment when sharing files.

We have to think twice before selecting any button. Remember that there is always a possibility
that others may reshare what we share online no matter how we set the restrictions.

PREPARED BY: PETA A. BONGO

COMPUTER 5 TEACHER