Unauthorized Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Software

Due to legal and security considerations, the following peer-to-peer (P2P) applications are not authorized on Health Science Center computers or on other computers while attached to the University network. Additionally, the use of P2P has been prohibited for State-owned systems and networks by Executive Order of the Governor and implemented by the Texas Department of Information Resources.

These applications represent a threat to the University in several ways. First of all, downloaded music and video open the University and the affected users to litigation by the recording and movie industries; these organizations have successfully brought lawsuits against universities totalling millions of dollars. Secondly, downloaded software is frequently "hacked" in such a way as to bypass the need to register it; like downloaded music and video, this amounts to copyright infringement and theft of intellectual property. The hacked software may also be virus infected (you may never know exactly HOW they hacked it). Lastly, those who develop malware (worms, viruses, etc.) are now using the P2P distribution networks as avenues of infection; in this way, P2P users are among the first to be infected.

This list is not all-inclusive and will be updated as new applications are discovered. If you have any questions concerning this mandate, please feel free to contact Information Security & Assurance at the e-mail address shown below.