The concept of network is wide, but we want to encapsulate the definition in a few words. Then the definition would be – The interconnection between two different devices in different places.
The concept of networking came with the internet connection. Networking simply means connecting two computer devices to share information and data.
The advantage of networking is pretty obvious.
- Users can easily save the file and other important documents on a file server. This offers the document more security.
- Users can share different devices together with the networking. This reduces the local setup for each computer.
- Users can share documents with multiple people at the same time.
- Administering the network becomes easy.
Based on the network design, networking can be divided into two categories.
- Server Based Network.
- Peer-To-Peer Network.
Most people are already aware of what a server-based network is all about. So we will not be wasting time explaining it.
This article will focus on the Peer-To-Peer (P2P) network and discuss every aspect of it.
Peer-To-Peer Networking
The P2P Networks are also called Computer-To-Computer networks. Here peers signify the computer systems which are connected with each other. These computer systems form the nodes of the network system.
These nodes communicate with each other with the help of a network. File and folders can be easily shared between the nodes using the system without any central system administering the process.
The concept of P2P networking is quite simple. In the network, all the systems can work either as a server or as a client.
The peer-to-peer network does not distinguish its notes. Depending on the activity of the nodes, the network can either mark them as servers (offering services) or clients (availing services).
A great example of peer-to-peer networking would be torrent websites. A torrent website like Pirate Bay stores all the content in their computer server and offers access to the user. The user can connect their system with the Pirate bay system and download the content.
Peer-To-Peer Security Risks
Millions of computers use the P2P network to share files, folders, music, movies, and much more every day. These data transfers are made with informal software that promises you a free data sharing facility.
Sounds promising, right, right?
Maybe!
However, while using the P2P network to share sensitive files, you must be aware of its trade-offs. Online P2P file sharing is often associated with the risk.
1. Risk Of Virus Infection
When the peer-to-peer network is employed, it becomes the responsibility of each node of the system to stop any viruses from entering the network. Although it might seem one of the best ways to keep the network free from the virus via a group responsibility, you need to understand not everyone is as responsible as you are.
2. P2P Often Offer Thin To No Layer Of Security
Security has always been a major concern for the P2P network. Unfortunately, most networks only have a minimal layer of security just to protect the individual terminal or computer systems. You can even consider that the first line of defense of the P2P network is the network itself. Once anybody breaches it, they can access all the data on the network.
3. There Is No Way To Back Your Files & Folders
One of the major risks of peer-to-peer data sharing is that there is no way to back your files. The only way to back or secure files is to store them on different devices. That means you will have independent data that you can modify individually.
4. You Can Expose Your Personal Information
The peer-to-peer protocol will automatically expose your IP Address to the people in the same network. To avoid letting your Ip Address leak out to strangers, try using VPN. VPN masks your address and makes your download more private and secure.
5. Some P2P Network Might Place Illegal Content In Your Device
Peer To Peer networks do not polish the files that people want to download. It simply uploads the data onto the system for the users. That means, if you are not careful enough of what you are downloading from the network, you might allow illegal content in your system or device.
Conclusion
Although P2P network sharing is one of the most used mediums today to share data among normal users, they come with their fair share of risks. If you are one of the users that frequently access the peer-to-peer network to share files, knowing these risks will certainly help you.
