Ohio Administrative Code › Title 3339 - Miami University › Chapter 3339-19 - Information Technology › Section 3339-19-04 - Unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing

Current through all regulations passed and filed through July 1, 2024
(A)
								Background and
			 purpose of policy
Peer-to-peer (p2p) file sharing
				applications allow users to download and share electronic files of all types
				and to use any computer as a server for file sharing requests. Currently, some
				of the more common files shared in this fashion are audio files (e.g., mp3,
				wav, midi), video files (e.g., quicktime, jpeg, mpeg, avi), and picture files
				(e.g., gif, jpeg). When computers are set up in a peer-to-peer model, the
				computers become connected as peers, and files on each system are subject to
				access by the other systems. When a university computer is set up for
				peer-to-peer operations with an outside computer, the university computer is
				sharing its files, and in some cases its entire hard drive. In most cases, the
				same computer has also agreed to accept files from an outside computer.
				Conversely, the outside system could copy individual files from the university
				computer's shared drive, to the outside server, resulting in the potential for
				inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information.
Because there are legitimate academic,
				research, and personal uses of p2p file sharing applications, Miami university
				does not ban them from its network. However, Miami recognizes that p2p activity
				is commonly used for copying music and video files for personal enjoyment which
				may violate copyright law and that content which does not infringe copyright is
				typically available through other methods, such as websites and ftp sites.
				Accordingly, Miami actively blocks all p2p traffic from crossing its network
				perimeter. If a user has a legitimate need to use p2p software, authorization
				will need to be obtained from Miami university's information security officer.
				Before requesting authorization to participate in any p2p file sharing
				activity, users of university computing and electronic communication resources
				should consider the following:
(1)
									Network
			 bandwidth. Most p2p applications are configured so other users can access your
			 hard drive and share your files all the time. This constant file transfer can
			 degrade your computer's performance and generate heavy traffic loads on the
			 university network. The university's network bandwidth consumption is
			 monitored. If your usage impacts the overall performance of the network, your
			 computer may be blocked. If you use a p2p application to share content legally,
			 you should know how to control or disable the application.
(2)
									Privacy. If you
			 are running a p2p application, you may be inadvertently sharing personal
			 information, such as e-mail messages or credit card information. You need to
			 make sure you know which files and data the application is sharing. You should
			 know how to control or disable your p2p application to ensure that you are not
			 inadvertently sharing personal information.
(3)
									Security. Viruses
			 are easily spread using p2p applications. Many p2p applications include
			 "malware" in the download, so you may be unintentionally infecting your
			 computer. To protect your computer, keep your anti-virus program up-to-date and
			 only install programs acquired from reputable sources.
(4)
									Resource use.
			 Some p2p applications use your computer as a computational or storage resource
			 for another organization's use. This may not be an acceptable use of
			 state-owned resources such as the university network or university-owned
			 computers. Do not permit any such use of your system without the consent of
			 Miami university's information security officer.