Recent studies show that all companies have at least one instance of file sharing software installed on their network. Additionally, instant messaging clients (such as AIM, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger) are used regularly throughout the day by millions of employees.

While these peer-to-peer (P2P) technologies ease file transferring and promote rapid and efficient communication among employees, they are a hacker’s dream since it allows them to quickly evade firewalls and corporate security policies to gain access to your network. These software clients have become increasingly popular and with each installation they provide a new door for a hacker to gain entrance into your network.

Besides hacking activity, there is also potential for other costly damage, including copyright infringement, social engineering opportunities, and communication of sensitive corporate information. Instant messaging software clients are new vector of attack for malicious users since they are an efficient way to spread new worms and Trojans throughout a network.