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Sharing files with friends and colleagues using the internet, email, CDs or memory sticks is a common practice.

You need to have your security software activated (firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware) when sharing files and scan files to make sure they’re not infected.

Don’t assume that just because a file was sent or given to by someone you know that the files don’t include hidden virus or spyware. Even just plugging in a removable device can infect your computer if it isn’t protected.

• Never open an attachment from a source you don’t know or are unsure about.
• If you are comfortable about the source of the file, scan the file before opening it using your anti-virus and anti-spyware software. You might know the person who sent it but they may not know that the file they are sending you contains a virus or spyware.
• Set your anti-virus and anti-spyware software to scan every incoming and outgoing email and attachment automatically.

Portable storage devices include CDs, DVDs, memory sticks or external hard-drives.

• Never connect or insert a storage device into your computer or open any files on it if you are unsure of its origin or owner or if your anti-virus or anti-spyware software is not up-to-date.
• If you are comfortable about the source of the device, scan it before you open any file using your anti-virus and anti-spyware software. You might know the person who gave you the storage device but they may not know that the file on it that they are sharing with you contains a virus or spyware.
• If you are sending files to someone else, save the file to the portable device and then scan the whole device using your anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

Another form of sharing files is called 'peer-to-peer file-sharing'. This term refers to a system that allows a person to make specific files on their computer available to anyone, anywhere on the internet, who has the same file-sharing software. This software allows its network of users to see and download files from the computers of all the network members who are online at the same time.

Peer-to-peer file-sharing has received a lot of publicity because it is widely used for sharing files such as music or computer software. Be careful. Sharing some files may contravene copyright laws.

• Only join music and movie file-sharing services where you can stream, download or purchase digital files with the copyright owners' permission. It is important that you keep your file-sharing legal. Downloading copyrighted music, movies and software using peer-to-peer file-sharing programs without the copyright owner's permission could have serious legal implications.
• Stop and think before downloading files through these networks. Don't download files from sources that appear suspect or that you are unsure of.
• Ensure the peer-to-peer file-sharing network can only access the files on your computer that you want accessed.
• Parents should be aware that peer-to-peer file-sharing networks may contain inappropriate images, audio and video clips. Parents should monitor their children’s access to and use of such networks.
• Users of peer-to-peer file-sharing software should also be aware that they may not be anonymous while participating in these networks.

Consider using a dedicated computer for file-sharing

Due to the considerably raised security risks associated with participating in peer-to-peer file-sharing networks, you may want to consider dedicating a computer solely to file-sharing activities. In this case you should:

• only use this computer for file sharing, and only have files on it that you are prepared for others on the internet to see
• ensure that all the security software and measures mentioned in this website are installed, activated and kept up-to-date, e.g. anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewalls
• always disconnect this computer from the internet once you have finished file sharing
• never have this computer connected to other computers in your home or office when sharing files on the peer to peer file-sharing network, and
• always scan files downloaded and stored on the dedicated computer before transferring them to other computers in your home or office.