FTC notifies almost 100 organisations of P2P data leaks

The Federal Trade Commission has notified close to 100 US organisations of serious P2P-related security breaches that have exposed consumers to the risk of identity theft and fraud.

The use of P2P file-sharing networks to download music and movies opens the door for data loss both in the office and on consumers’ personal PCs, when users take work home in the evening or at weekends.

The worry is that there are now cybercriminal gangs who scavenge the file-sharing networks, hunting for sensitive work documents such as financial records, driving licences and social security numbers.

If not configured properly, Kazaa, Limewire and other P2P file-sharing networks can scoop up files on your computer that you would probably prefer the whole world didn’t have access to – not only embarrassing your company, but also putting your firm, your fellow employees and your customers at risk…
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Read more in my article on the Naked Security website.

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Graham Cluley •   @gcluley

Graham Cluley is a veteran of the cybersecurity industry, having worked for a number of security companies since the early 1990s when he wrote the first ever version of Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit for Windows. Now an independent analyst, he regularly makes media appearances and is an international public speaker on the topic of cybersecurity, hackers, and online privacy. Follow him on Twitter, Mastodon, Bluesky, or drop him an email.