NetSpective^® P2PFilter

NetSpective P2PFilter blocks Skype^™, Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, Instant Messaging (IM) applications, and Streaming Media sources to prevent users from accessing resources on any other network participant's computer.

NetSpective P2PFilter eliminates the risks commonly associated with P2P filesharing, and protects your network from viruses, malicious code and hackers that can threaten network performance and expose enterprises to intellectual property theft and other breaches of information security.

P2P, IM and streaming media filtering is crucial because these applications can create major holes in an otherwise sound network security plan and can bring malicious content onto the network and also let sensitive corporate content leak out. Although P2P and IM client software enables users to select which information files they make available for sharing, these controls are easily bypassed or misapplied by users. Meanwhile, their unencrypted communications and use of public/third-party network hubs make them vulnerable to eavesdropping and other forms of electronic theft. Since these programs operate outside normal IT controls, even a single P2P or IM application on a user's computer can leave critical corporate assets exposed to the world, including financial records, customer and patient data, intellectual property and more.

Signature-based Blocking

The NetSpective P2PFilter succeeds where other solutions fail because of its signature-based blocking capabilities. Popular Internet applications like Skype, P2P, instant messaging and online chat present special challenges for filtering solutions. Designed specifically to evade traditional content filtering and firewall controls, these applications tie up valuable bandwidth and expose corporate networks to a variety of risks, including virus infections, hacker intrusions and information security breaches. NetSpective's signature-based blocking features analyze the unique protocol signatures of all Internet traffic coming in and out of your network and block those associated with Skype, P2P, IM and chat traffic, effectively preventing users from accessing these applications, as well as their web-based equivalents. As a result, NetSpective can't be circumvented by rogue applications that simply search for open ports on your network - a problem that renders many competitive products ineffective.

With NetSpective P2PFilter, file sharing activities that previously went undetected can now be identified, tracked, and blocked by employee or application type.

Applications Blocked by NetSpective P2PFilter

Instant Messaging Applications Blocked by NetSpective P2PFilter

For an in-depth analysis of the impact of P2P, IM and streaming media on enterprise networks, please read our white paper: The High Cost of P2P on the Enterprise.