Overview
File and printer sharing is an essential component of Microsoft Windows Networking which
enables us to share our files, printer and other network resources. This service can be
restricted for the users of the network,
i.e. only authenticated users can access this service.
However, this service has security breach. The main security issue of this service is that
it helps the
Network Viruses and Trojans to transmit them and infect users' system. Network
Viruses/Trojans such as QaZ virus or Nimda spread themselves over the network in
those shared locations which have read/write permissions. Some of other viruses are there on
the internet or come through other portable media which uses port access to
infect the system. These types of viruses are very much active when there is a working LAN
or Internet connection is available which uses the full bandwidth of the network and slows
it down.
Recommendations
- Share your Shared folders in your networks, if it is necessary but it is not recommended for Home PC or Personal PC.
- Turn on Password Protection Sharing in Windows Firewall.
- If you dont want to share any files, folder and resources of your computer, then you can disable the file and printer sharing support from
Disabling File and Printer Sharing
Windows XP:
Go to Control panel => Network Connection => Right Click on Local Area Connection => Properties => Remove the check mark from File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks => Ok
Windows 7:
Go to Control Panel => Network and Sharing => Change adapter settings => Right Click on Local Area Connection => Properties => Remove the check mark from File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks => Ok
Windows 8 or 8.1:
Go to Control Panel => Networking and
Sharing Center => Change adapter settings =>
Right Click on Ethernet => Properties => Remove the check
mark from File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks => Ok
Go to Control Panel => Network and Internet => Under "Networking and Sharing Center" => View network status and tasks => Change adapter settings => Right Click on Ethernet => Properties => Remove the check mark from File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks => Ok
Windows 10/11:
Press 
+ R to open Run command
window. => Type "ncpa.cpl" and press "Enter" =>
Right Click on Ethernet => Properties => Remove the check
mark from File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks => Ok