[Query] Windows network with one Mac + Limewire

[Jaisol]

Sorry for cross-posting.

I have a client with Windows network (250 machines including w2k,w2k3 server
and w2k, wxp pcs) and one Power Mac G5 connected to same wire network.

None p2p programs are installed on windows machines but general manager
wants to install Limewire on G5 machine, he will take the risk of connect
Power Mac machine to limewire network because just this machine will be
exposed to bugs on limewire network.

Avoiding copy rights and bandwith themes, do you know some other potential
risks to share Power Mac machine + limewire with same network for windows
machines?

Any response will be appreciated. THKS!

 

[Guest]

Sorry for cross-posting.

I have a client with Windows network (250 machines including w2k,w2k3 server
and w2k, wxp pcs) and one Power Mac G5 connected to same wire network.

None p2p programs are installed on windows machines but general manager
wants to install Limewire on G5 machine, he will take the risk of connect
Power Mac machine to limewire network because just this machine will be
exposed to bugs on limewire network.

Avoiding copy rights and bandwith themes, do you know some other potential
risks to share Power Mac machine + limewire with same network for windows
machines?

Any response will be appreciated. THKS!

is there a firewall on the gateway? you will have to open the ports to
allow limewire through, however you could just allow limewire traffic
to that one machine, the other vulnerabilites are that should he
download a trojan or virus it could use the mail server to send spam (i
have seen that happen before) and disrupt the network.

Flamer.

 

[Malke]

Sorry for cross-posting.

I have a client with Windows network (250 machines including w2k,w2k3
server and w2k, wxp pcs) and one Power Mac G5 connected to same wire
network.

None p2p programs are installed on windows machines but general manager
wants to install Limewire on G5 machine, he will take the risk of connect
Power Mac machine to limewire network because just this machine will be
exposed to bugs on limewire network.

Avoiding copy rights and bandwith themes, do you know some other potential
risks to share Power Mac machine + limewire with same network for windows
machines?

If the Mac is on the same network as the Windows machines and shares any of
its files, if it picks up a network-aware worm from using Limewire - guess
what will happen to your 249 Windows computers. I've seen something like
this happen in my own small network. One of the kids downloaded a song -
just one song - and as soon as the download was finished the antivirus lit
up on all 3 Windows machines. Apparently whatever he downloaded had
instructions to seek out networked machines and propagate.

If the Mac doesn't share anything, it might be OK but why take a chance?
Since your client is the general mgr., just get him a separate cheapo
machine and put it on its own isolated network and he can file-share to his
heart's content. Otherwise the entire network is at risk.

Malke

 

[Manny Borges]

Sounds like a work network that the GM does NOT OWN.

If that is correct, tell him to pound sand.

Seriously.

He is endangering your sites bandwidth, and stability. Most companies have
an acceptable use policy that specifically prohibits file sharing tools like
this and for good reason.

If he wants to do this , tell him to shell out the 30 -50 bucks a month that
a fast internet connection costs. He is a GM, he can afford it.

Remember, it doesn't matter if he says he is taking responsibility. If an
issue pops up, you will be fired and can be sued for damages because you are
responsible for this infrastructure. There is no doubt in my mind.

Judging from the way this thread started, I am going to make a few
assumptions and also inform you that if this company is ever investigated
and found to be lacking in licensing, you personally are going to
financially responsible in any lawsuits. Because you are the technical
resource and you should have known better and informed management of any
issues.

I may be taking a really negative spin here, but it sounds like you already
know the answer to your question but aren't really going to believe it until
you get bit.

-
Manny Borges
MCSE NT4-2003 (+ Security)
MCT, Certified Cheese Master

There are 10 kinds of people in the world. Those who do understand binary
and those who don't.