PeerGuardian
A greater security and privacy while using P2P connections
PeerGuardian is software developed primarily for improving the privacy and security of users. The software is primarily intended for user’s accessing and utilizing peer to peer connections, to ensure that only the users they authorize can access the files they approve on in their network.
Features:
- View connections that are incoming and outcoming, to detect any potential unauthorized connections.
- View the IP addresses of the connections accessing your network
- Hide your IP address from the view of others.
- Block IP addresses listed in a public blacklist that have been determined and reported as dangerous and malicious.
- Block access to custom IP addresses that are accessing your network and files without your authorization.
- Update blacklist through the software interface.
- Block or allow HTTP in peer to peer connections.
PeerGuardian is versatile software, for users wishing to maintain their privacy and ensure that their data is safe and not accessed by unauthorized users. PeerGuardian allows users to see which addresses are connected and accessing their network, and view a history of all connections in a given time frame. The software allows users to block IP addresses from a huge and extensive blacklist, which has a wide range of IP addresses that were determined from public data and other users to be malicious in nature. PeerGuardian also allows users to block specific IP addresses they determine are potentially dangerous and suspicious and allows users to prevent further access to IP addresses from accessing their network. The final benefit of the software that offers improve privacy is that software allows users to hide their IP address and personal identifiers in a P2P setting, preventing their privacy from being compromised. The software does not take up much space on an operating system, taking at most 2mb of storage space. It is compatible with Windows OS, XP and newer, and is available as a free download.
Software is specialized to allow users to detect who is accessing their network connection, and block them from unauthorized access.
Windows OS XP or higher. At least 2 mb in storage space. Online connection required to update public blacklist.
PROS
Includes a robust database of threats for optimal protection.
Open-source, allowing for community-driven updates and improvements.
CONS
Controls not always intuitive; steep learning curve.
Relies on frequently updated blocklists, can be inconvenient.
