Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing restrictions

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Jim Warren <jwarren () well com>
Date: May 31, 2005 7:10:20 PM EDT
To: Dave Farber <dave () farber net>
Subject: fwd: Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing restrictions


Never let it be said that technological leadership and user  
empowerment will be tolerated when it threatens to in-any-way  
inconvenience optimal conglomerate/cartel profits.

--jim

From from a Tarleton Univ [in Texas] friend:

> We just shut down P2P.
>
> Information Resources has received an Information Bulletin from the  
> U.S.
> Department of Homeland Security regarding the security risks of
> peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs. The following contains
> highlights from the bulletin along with information about new P2P
> restrictions for the Tarleton State University network.
>
> OVERVIEW
> P2P file sharing programs provide Internet users with the ability to
> share files on their computers with millions of other Internet users.
> Common P2P use includes song and movie file sharing, gaming and  
> instant
> messaging. P2P file sharing software makes it possible for people to
> accidentally share personal files or sensitive data. These programs  
> also
> allow easier access to computer systems for theft of sensitive  
> documents
> and unauthorized use of network resources. There have been incidents
> where P2P programs have exposed sensitive federal government  
> documents.
>
> P2P file sharing software potentially compromises computer systems.  
> The
> use of this software creates vulnerabilities through which malicious
> code (viruses, worms, Trojans, bots) or other illegal material can be
> introduced.
>
> The use of P2P file sharing can result in network intrusions.
>
> CONCLUSION
> Few, if any, university owned computers have an operational reason for
> running P2P file sharing software. These applications represent a
> network vulnerability that cannot be afforded without a strong
> justification.
>
> NETWORK RESTRICTIONS
> Beginning June 6, 2005, Tarleton State University will restrict P2P  
> file
> sharing activity for all university owned computers, 24/7. P2P  
> activity
> will be permitted for student owned computers in the residence  
> halls and
> for dial-up users between midnight and 7:00 a.m.
>
> These restrictions will not prevent the use of Internet based radio
> stations, Windows Media Player, Real Player, or Quicktime streaming
> video.
>
> The file sharing features of instant messaging programs such as Yahoo
> and AOL instant messenger will not function, but text messaging  
> will not
> be affected.
>
> LIST OF SOFTWARE
> The following is a non-exhaustive list of P2P file sharing software  
> that
> will stop functioning under these new network restrictions. If you  
> have
> downloaded and installed one or more of the products listed, you  
> should
> uninstall the product. If you do not recognize any of the following
> items, then you probably will not be affected by the P2P file sharing
> restriction.
>
> Aimster
> AudioGalaxy
> BearShare
> BitTorrent
> Blubster
> eDonkey
> Gnotella
> Gnucleus
> Grokster
> iMesh
> Kazaa
> LimeWire
> Morpheus
> WinMX



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