XP security - 3rd Party server

[ma]

Hi there!
Hope this is the right place for this question (concern).
Couldn't find any matching concern Googling.

XP SP3 & latest updates.

I got my hands on a 14 day free trial "playon" media server
by "MediaMall" that is supposed to transcode real time al
types of media from my PC to my DLNA HD TV set.

I have all my important and personal files in this PC (i.e. finances).
The only way "playon" will perform is to be given full internet server
access from my firewall (zonealarm).

Concerned if this is safe? Can this software be written in a way to copy
my other files (other than video or pictures) to some internet web page
without my knowledge?

I mean if this app can go through my folders and find all media files
and make a library, and transcode & transmit them via LAN, why
couldn't it do it via WAN the other files?

I am asking because I just don't know!

Thanks in advance!
ma

 

[Anteaus]

If by this you mean allowing outbound access, by the sound of things this
would be necessary for the program to function. As such it isn't a major
security issue, that is unless you don't trust the authors and think they
might hijack your data.

Allowing inbound access from the Internet would be a no-no.

Bottom line is, if you don't trust the author of any program, then it is
unwise to run that program on any computer containing sensitive data.

 

[ma]

"As such it isn't a major security issue, that is unless
you don't trust the authors and think they might hijack
your data."

Well that is my point & question. Looks like your answer
is it can be done (hijack).
I am not saying they will, I am just asking if it can be done.
If yes, then I apply Murphy's Law, if something can be done
it will be done may be eventually.