My oldest cyber-son was about 11 when he came home one day from a play date and said his friend’s dad works for this cool company and gave him some free software. I really didn’t think much of it and let CS #1 install said software.
Within days we suddenly had all kinds of new music on the computer. He explained that it was a service that allowed users to share music with one another. The software was Limewire and I had somehow allowed a kid to convince me that file sharing was okay.
It wasn’t very long before I figured out that not only was he illegally downloading music, but he was also opening up our computer to viruses, malware and potentially criminal hackers. We uninstalled the software and deleted the files pretty darn quick!
According to this months McAfee Security Advice Center Newsletter:
“P2P networks not only allow you to share fun content like music and movies, but they also allow you to share any file on your computer. This means that your child could download sexually explicit content from other users, and accidentally share sensitive personal information stored on your computer. Malicious content, such as viruses and spyware, can also be easily spread over P2P networks. Cybercriminals often hide viruses and even porn in popular downloads, such as popular songs or games, hoping they can trick users into downloading them.”
The tips in the McAfee article are:
-Protect your computer with a strong password so your child cannot log in without your permission and supervision.
-Remove the P2P application altogether. (A quick online search will help you find directions on how to remove various applications.)
-Consider using parental control software, such as McAfee® Family Protection, which allows you to filter the online content your child has access to and block objectionable content. It also allows you to monitor their activities, such as give them time limits when surfing the web.
-Make sure that your family computer has a safe search tool, such as McAfee® SiteAdvisor® software, which alerts you with site ratings in your search results.
However, I wanted to take it a step further, because before I was aware of this type of program, I really had no idea how to know what my kids were downloading when I wasn’t around.
-Occasionally check your computer for newly installed programs. (Some names to look for are KaZaa, Limewire, Morpheous, Grokster, iMesh, Blubster, Bearshare)
-If you are not sure what a program is, use a search engine to learn what the program does and decide if it needs to be uninstalled.
-Remind kids that they need to ask permission to download anything onto the computer.
-Check out this post by Verizon for tips and FAQs about figuring out if you have illegal files on your computer.
-Sign up for the McAfee Security Advice Center newsletter to learn about the latest threats.
I now have McAfee Family protection installed and have it set to block all P2P file sharing. I also make sure I ask lots of questions of my kids when they want to install a new program. They may think a program is “cool”, but they don’t have any idea of the dangers.
Stay safe out there my friends!
By: Tracy Mooney
