The Dangers of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Sharing

Peer-to-peer (P2P) networking is a popular method for sharing files, music, photographs and other information. Just remember that this method can come with its share of major risks. It is best to know with whom you are sharing data and files versus browsing for a site that you believe meets your criteria. The data you receive may be corrupted with malware or expose you to legal ramifications (e.g., copyrights, pirated software or music). So, be safe and know what your P2P buddy is offering before you load a copy onto your device.

For more information, please visit:

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network Security
• P2P File Sharing Tips
• US-CERT Cyber Security Tip"Risks of File-Sharing Technology"

Scan Your Computer

Once an anti-virus and/or anti-spyware package has been installed on your computer, you should scan your entire computer periodically. If your anti-virus package has the ability to automatically scan specific files or directories and prompt you at set intervals to perform complete scans, enable this feature.

What can I do to protect my computer?

• Don't click on pop-up ads that advertise anti-virus or anti-spyware programs 
• Use and regularly update firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-spyware programs 
• Properly configure and patch operating systems, browsers, and other software programs. 
• Turn off ActiveX and Scripting, or prompt for their use.

For more information, please visit:

• MS-ISAC Newsletter on Detecting and Avoiding Fake Anti-Virus Software
• US-CERT Newsletter on "Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware"

Newtork Groupshares Now Available

The issue with our groupshares has been identified and corrected. The parties who had their workstations affected have been contacted and are in the process of having their workstations corrected. No data was lost as a result of this issue.

Network groupshares are now available for use.  Public drive Z: will not be available until Noon today.

Network Groupshares Currently Unavailable.

The following network groupshare drives are currently offline, G:\, H:\ and Z:\ drives. T&C Infrastructure is currently researching the issue. Please navigate to the T&C Information Security web page for status updates. The next update is scheduled for 9:00 AM unless the issue is resolved before then.

New Cloud Security Awareness Video Now Available.

A new video released by SANS.org is available this month to help you learn what the cloud is and how you can use it securely.

E-mail is insecure by default. It's more like a postcard than a sealed envelope.

Many people are under the misconception that when they draft and send e-mail, two things occur. Their message gets sealed in a (virtual) envelope (that's why you have to open e-mail right?) and that it goes directly to the person it was sent to via internet magic. 

The truth is your e-mail is sent in plain open text (i.e. readable by anyone who picks it up along the way) and is passed around the Internet with multiple stops until it reaches its destination. People with evil intentions can intercept your e-mail, read it or even alter it before it reaches your intended recipient.  For this reason you should only be sending information over email that you're willing to have shared with the virtual world.

Check for encryption or secure sites when providing confidential information online.

Credit card and online banking sites are convenient and easy ways to purchase and handle your financial transactions. They are also the most frequently spoofed or "faked" sites for phishing scams. Information you provide to online banking and shopping sites should be encrypted and the site's URL should begin with https. Some browsers may also have an icon representing a lock at the lower right of the browser window. 

For more information about phishing, please visit http://www.onguardonline.gov/phishing.html