Network monitoring reveals hidden P2P traffic
Published: 28 Aug 2003 09:30 BST
"It wasn't yet a problem in terms of performance," Wysik said. "But the fact was, something was there that we didn't know about, and you don't want that happening on a business network at all. People should have other things to do than download music."
Network stresses
The situation creates several potential problems for companies that are caught unaware. Modern file-swapping applications such as Kazaa automatically select high-bandwidth points inside their network to handle much of the traffic management and routing functions. Corporate computers with fast connections can easily take on this role, creating a big bandwidth burden for the company's network, even if employees who have downloaded the software aren't using it themselves.
Companies also worry about security implications for file-swapping. Many people who use P2P software aren't technically sophisticated and might accidentally expose vulnerable parts of their computer or network. For Burch's hospital and other health care organisations, which are universally trying to secure their network privacy in line with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, that's a serious concern.
Potential liability is also an issue. At least one company has already settled with the Recording Industry Association of America over copyright infringement issues, paying the organisation $1m (£640,000) in damages for operating an internal MP3 network. Administrators looking to shield themselves are turning to network-management tools as one way of showing that they're trying.
The companies behind those tools have several different means of approaching the problem. Monitoring and audit companies like AssetMetrix scan corporate networks for every piece of software located on PCs, finding file-swapping software, spyware, instant messaging programs and everything else that's living on corporate hard drives. Those reports help administrators or other consultants track down unauthorised code.
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