Is it REALLY Safe Getting Free Mp3 Downloads Using P2P File Sharing Programs?

Here are some hidden dangers of P2P file sharing networks that are important to be aware of.

1) Adware
Adware is advertising-supported software and most file sharing programs have adware installed in their free file sharing software programs. Adware is a business model that works by large media companies offer shareware developers banner ads (adware) to put in their products.

In return, the media companies provide the software developers a portion of the revenue generated from the banner sales. The truth is that adware will load your pc with large amounts of unwanted advertising and can cause a variety of computer system problems.

2) Spyware
Spyware is often installed in shareware downloads,including free MP3 music download programs. Spyware secretly sneaks around in the back-round of your computer gathering information about you and your surfing habits.

Spyware has the ability to perform activities hidden to you - and can even change files and your computer system settings.

3) Spoofing
Many P2P file sharing programs are loaded with corrupt and fake files. Spoofing occurs when you start a free MP3 song download, but instead of getting a song download, you get a corrupted music file, or a 20 to 30 second music loop that continues on for 3 or 4 minutes.

There is talk on the net that the RIAA may be behind many of these spoofing tactics as a way to get people to pay for legal MP3 downloads. Whether or not this is true, the fact is that spoofing is not only very annoying, but a real problem on sharing sites.

4) Pornography
Pornography is a very serious problem with file sharing programs. Every P2P network user should be aware that porn peddlers camouflage their software as a new game download, or free mp3 downloads files, to get you to click on the link.

Once you click you'll be redirected to a porn site - it's sneaky and a very serious problem if children get access to file sharing networks.

5) Viruses, Trojans & Online Security Risks
When using a file sharing application, you risk the possibility of installing harmful viruses, worms, Trojans and malware on your computer. And if that's not bad enough, P2P networks can expose you to online hackers and identity thieves that can steal you personal information.

And unfortunately, reports estimate that these online risks and security threats continue to rise every year, and will only get worse. It's critical when downloading ANY files online to always use a good, up-to-date anti-virus program. Also, using a firewall will work to help block dangerous online security risks and Internet hackers.

Free MP3 Downloads Summary: