P2P Networks
A P2P (=peer-to-peer) is a protocol of communication in a computer network. This model uses diverse connectivity between users in a network and the cumulative bandwidth of network users instead of using centralized resources located on low number of servers. In simple words, this protocol connects two users without using a central server. P2P networks are usually used in the private sector and in businesses to share files between different users. Examples for such networks are: Napster,KaZaA, BitTorrent, eMule, Morpheus etc. Many children use peer-to-peer networks to share music files and movie files.
Risks:
- Many P2P networks are used for exchanging pornographic material like photos and videos. Unlike pornographic websites these files are free from charge and are usually not filtered by the traditional filter tools.
- On some of these networks even a naive search can retrieve referral to pornographic websites.
- The unsuspecting child can accidently share files with individuals that have intentions of spreading malware like computer viruses, trojan horses and worms. These files can harm the PC or expose private information stored on the PC to the individuals that shared the files with the child.