Software developers would be required to clearly inform users when their files are made available to other P2P (peer-to-peer) users under legislation introduced on 24 Feb. by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD).
The legislation comes just one day after the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) notified nearly 100 organisations on 23 Feb. that the use of P2P programs on their computer networks had resulted in significant data breaches involving sensitive information about customers and employees. The FTC said users of these networks risk the exposure of personal information, including health-related information, financial records and drivers’ license and Social Security numbers, which can lead to identify theft.
“As a former prosecutor, I know that identity theft and security leaks can be prevented,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “Families across Minnesota run the risk of unintentionally sharing all of their private files like tax returns, legal documents, medical records and home movies when they are connected to peer-to-peer networks. This bill will let people know — in a way that they can understand — that their personal files are being shared with complete strangers.”
The P2P Cyber Protection and Informed User Act would prohibit P2P file sharing programs from being installed without the informed consent of the authorised computer user. The legislation would also prohibit P2P software that would prevent the authorised user from blocking the installation of a P2P file sharing program and/or disabling or removing any P2P file sharing program. ”It is important that consumers are aware of the privacy and security threats associated with some peer-to-peer file-sharing programs,” Thune said. “The P2P Cyber Protection and Informed User Act is an important step in achieving this goal.”
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In David Scott’s words, everyone needs to be a mini-Security Officer in the modern organization today. I think Mr. Scott is right: Most individuals and organizations enjoy Security largely as a matter of luck. Anyone else here reading I.T. WARS? I had to read parts of this book as part of my employee orientation at a new job. The book talks about a whole new culture as being necessary – an eCulture – for a true understanding of security, being that most identity/data breaches are due to simple human errors. It has great chapters on security, as well as risk, content management, project management, acceptable use, various plans and policies, and so on. Just Google IT WARS – check out a couple links down and read the interview with the author David Scott at Boston’s Business Forum. (Full title is I.T. WARS: Managing the Business-Technology Weave in the New Millennium).