File Sharing Safety Tips

Posted by: Allie P. | Jan 18,2008

If you love using file sharing, you need to take proper safety precautions. File sharing lets you download movies, music and more that were uploaded to file sharing websites like Napster by others. In addition, when you use file sharing, you share your own files, as a “thank you” for being able to use the site. But while you enjoy the benefits of file sharing, you may be leaving yourself open to identity theft. What you need to know about file sharing safety:

 

When you open your PC up to file sharing programs, you open up more than just movies and music that you have saved in your files. You allow others to access any files that you have saved on your computer- including files with personal and financial information.

 

Unfortunately, identity thieves prey on people who use file sharing websites. They know that people who use file sharing websites don’t know the risks, and leave their files available for others to access. Tax returns, loan applications and banking and credit card information are just a few of the items stolen through file sharing programs.

 

Protect yourself from identity theft when you use file sharing by using a separate PC for downloading and sharing files. You can also set up security measures in your PC to encrypt files that you don’t want to share. But using a separate PC is the number one way to protect your personal information. You can find an extra PC in recycled computer bins or online for free or on sale at your local computer store.  

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