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If you use file-sharing applications to trade multimedia files, you are at a higher risk than most to be infected by spyware. There are a number of security risks posed by file-sharing software, including the installation of dialers and spyware bundled with file-sharing applications, as well as Internet connections that do not close and mislabeled content.

The U.S. government's Federal Trade Commission has issued a consumer alert about the use of file-sharing applications and the potential dangers. Read it here: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/sharealrt.htm

File-sharing programs have created numerous headaches for colleges and universities, and several have set up Web pages alerting students to the legal and technical consequences of file-sharing software. Some of these pages give tips on minimizing the risk, while others attempt to dissuade the use of file-sharing completely. They serve as informative guides, especially if you need draw up policies of your own. Examples include St. Norbert College and Duke.

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Browser Settings

The Windows operating system and Internet Explorer browser come with variable security settings. While the most convenient way to surf the Web might appear to be with the security settings on low, that's also the most dangerous.

Central to the issue of securing your Web browser is controlling ActiveX, which is the name for a set of controls that can be automatically downloaded and executed by your browser. While most of these controls are useful and help you experience content online, they can be used for malicious purposes.

Legitimate ActiveX controls are "signed" by their publishers. Ultimately, you'd like to allow ActiveX controls by signed authors to be downloaded and leave the rest alone. To set up these security settings, follow these steps:

In Windows: Settings --> Control Panel --> Internet Options --> Security. Highlight the Internet icon and click "Custom Level." Make sure the following settings are checked:

• Download signed ActiveX scripts = Prompt
• Download unsigned ActiveX scripts = Disable
• Initialize and script ActiveX not marked as safe = Disable
• Installation of Desktop items = Prompt
• Launching programs and files in a IFRAME = Prompt

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