Torrent is one of the most popular ways of downloading stuff from the internet. You can find anything from torrent websites, such as movies, songs, software, or games. However, when you want to download a torrent file, you always approach the process with concern. Just because torrent files are unofficial and uploaded by someone that you cannot trust, it is much easier to get your computer infected with some kind of virus.
On top of that, you might run into legal trouble if you download some of the files that have exclusive rights. Not everything on the torrent is illegal. You can still download files without getting in trouble, just as you can bet legally on NFL games if you access. This article will explain how to protect yourself if you are still willing to download torrent files, so let’s jump up into the process.
- Install an Antivirus Protection
First and foremost, should be the installation of good antivirus protection. It is important to know that downloading a torrent cannot harm your computer, but opening a malicious file can cause serious problems. That is why it is crucial to add the first layer of your security, the antivirus software. If you download an infected file, your antivirus will notice the harmful data when you open it and will automatically remove it.
The only problem is that if you are downloading cracked files or keygens, your antivirus will also notice them as malicious, and immediately delete them. Of course, you can always pause the protection on your antivirus, but it is essential to make sure that the source is trustworthy, and it does not contain any viruses.
- Download from Trusted and Already Proven Torrent Websites
There are many websites that offer torrents for downloading, and you should be cautious when choosing from which one you will get your files. Trusted sites that have a lot of users can also contain malicious files, but since there are many users, the chances of someone downloading them before you are much bigger. This means that they will probably report or leave a comment in the section below that this file contains a virus. Harmful torrents that are reported are quickly removed by the webmasters on such websites.
- Consider Getting a VPN
When you are downloading a torrent, you are connected to peers (leeches and seeds) using your IP address. This means that when you are connected, your IP is publicly shown, so people can easily track your location or metadata if they are interested in your internet activity.
In order to hide your online activity during torrent downloading, you can use Virtual Private Network. This is a simple software that hides your real IP address and replaces it with a different one. By using VPN, you people can still find your actual address but it is a much harder job to pull off, and in some cases, even impossible.
- Only Download Torrents with A Lot of Seeders
In order to make sure that the torrent you are downloading is legit, you need to check the number of seeders it has. Seeders are people that already downloaded the file and continue to share it, which means they’ve already got through the process of installation without any problems. Usually, these kinds of torrents are considered legit, so make sure you sort your searches by seeders in order to avoid getting your PC infected.
- Avoid Downloading Executable Files
Executable files are files that can execute some kind of action or change to your computer after opening. Files like .EXE, .BAT, .APP, or .SCR are most prone to getting infected and it is the best place for hackers to place viruses or other malicious data. So, if you absolutely need to download an executable file, make sure you scan it before opening.
These are some of the ways you can stay protected when downloading a torrent. It is very important to download responsibly and keep your eyes open for suspicious files.