Peer-to-Peer Connections: A Double-Edged Sword in Cybersecurity (2024)

FAQs

Peer-to-Peer Connections: A Double-Edged Sword in Cybersecurity? ›

Peer-to-peer (P2P) connections have revolutionized the way we share

A P2P network is a decentralized collection of devices connected directly to each other via the internet, allowing you to share and access files without the need for a central server.

One of the main challenges of using peer-to-peer security patterns is how to verify the identity and access rights of the peers in the network, without relying on a trusted third party. This can be especially difficult when the peers are dynamic, heterogeneous, and anonymous.

AI's role in the cyber world embodies a duality of immense potential and significant risk. While it enhances cybersecurity through advanced threat detection, automation of routine tasks, predictive analysis, and improved incident response, it also introduces new vulnerabilities.

A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a collection of connected computers with no single controller. Each participating computer, called a peer or a node, is both a user and a provider of resources. Peers contribute to a P2P network by sharing resources such as storage space, processing capabilities, and bandwidth.

Lack of centralized control: The absence of centralized control in P2P networks can lead to challenges in managing and coordinating network activities. It can be difficult to enforce consistent policies, ensure data integrity, or coordinate complex tasks across the network.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

SSL allows applications to interact without fear of spying and outside interference. When an application (client) wants to interact with another application (server), the client opens a socket connection to the server. The client and the server establish a secure connection.

The disadvantages of peer to peer network

Network security has to be applied to each computer separately. Backup has to be performed on each computer separately. No centralized server is available to manage and control the access of data. Users have to use separate passwords on each computer in the network.

A peer-to-peer network may expose users to someone who may send them malicious files, which can cause serious problems. For instance, your VPN will not shield users from malicious software if they download a file that has been purposefully mislabeled, such as a virus.

How is technology a double-edged sword? ›

Technology, we've learned, is a double-edged sword that must be wielded carefully. Although it affords incredible access to information and communication, it is also a tool that can be misused and abused by individuals of all ages.

Figuratively, double-edged sword refers to something that has both good and bad consequences. When you're wielding a double-edged sword, you have to be careful that you don't cut yourself when you're trying to swing it at an opponent.

Although a single-edged sword can be used, due to the two blades, a double-edged sword is more lethal when pierced. Double-edged swords are also more effective at penetrating armor than single-edged swords.

Security Issues

According to [20] the main security vulnerabilities for P2P networks are: Leechers, Social Attacks, Listening Queries, DDoS attacks, Contenet Verification, and Malware. Leechers are users who only download from other users while not sharing files or resources with others.

Furthermore, some of this sort of P2P activity can also download a virus, malware or spyware onto your computer. Worse, if you're on a large network, ransomware can infiltrate your entire network, bringing everything to a screeching halt.

The main advantages of P2P include reducing the load and cost of servers, increasing the availability and reliability of resources, and enhancing the privacy and anonymity of nodes. However, P2P can also be difficult to manage and secure due to varying capabilities, configurations, and trust levels among nodes.

P2P payment services help facilitate the transfer of funds between people. Examples of P2P payment service providers include Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, and PayPal, among many others.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) cyber crime is a type of cyber crime that uses P2P networks to commit illegal activities. P2P networks allow users to share files and resources directly with each other, without the need for a central server. This makes them ideal for criminals to distribute malware, illegal content, and stolen data.

In a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, each computer acts as both a server and a client—supplying and receiving files—with bandwidth and processing distributed among all members of the network. Such a decentralized network uses resources more efficiently than a traditional network and is less vulnerable to systemic failure.

In a peer-to-peer network, computers on the network are equal, with each workstation providing access to resources and data. This is a simple type of network where computers are able to communicate with one another and share what is on or attached to their computer with other users.