The article discussed the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) notification effort to nearly 100 organizations that personal information about the organizations’ customers or employees is available on peer-to-peer (“P2P”) file sharing networks. The FTC discovered that sensitive data that has been shared from organizations’ computer networks and are susceptible to those who may use the data for illegal practices such as fraud or identity theft.

The article outlines the laws that are enforced by the FTC regarding P2P file sharing networks, and how to protect the personal information about your organization’s customers or employees on a P2P file sharing network. As part of its notification effort, the FTC has provided companies with new business guidance on protecting personal information entitled Peer-to-Peer File Sharing: A Guide For Business. This guidance offers tips for businesses when considering the security implications of using P2P file sharing technology on company networks. Lastly, it explains what it means for an organization that has received a notification from the FTC, and the steps the organization needs to take towards correction.

FTC Warns Companies of Data Leaks on Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Networks