Windows 7 Torrent Risks Revisited

A while back, we posted about the risks versus the benefits when it comes to downloading software via Torrent or P2P: Windows 7 Torrent Risks.

The folks that are putting out malware and Trojans understand the need to work with as many attack vectors as possible. One of those vectors is the software “freely” available via P2P download.

We see P2P downloading as just too easy of a target. The greater the value of the download, like Windows 7, the greater the value of compromising a good image with some sort of malware. It makes “business” sense.

There have been a few recent articles on the matter too:

• Computer World: Leaked copies of Windows 7 RC contain Trojan.
• Windows Genuine Advantage Blog: Windows 7 RC torrent files infected with trojan.
• M3 Sweatt’s Blog: Download Windows 7 RC from a trusted source – via Microsoft –and avoid peer to Peer and save yourself the security risk.

With the download now freely available at Microsoft’s site Windows 7 Release Candidate Download, all it takes is some time, bandwidth, and a DVD or two to burn the RC and install from there.

Again, we stand by our original thought on the matter: We choose to evaluate the risks versus the “benefits” of downloading via Torrent or P2P as too risky. Period.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

*All Mac on SBS posts will not be written on a Mac until we replace our now missing iMac! (previous blog post)

Windows Live Writer