Torrenting is the process of simultaneously downloading many files in small bits from different sources. Torrenting is often viewed as a safe practice under the disguise of the web. However, torrenting files can be unsafe and can even plunge you into deep trouble.
The BitTorrent network and protocol may not be illegal. However, the
volume of content shared through torrents comprises files that breach
copyright holders’ rights. Torrenting is decentralized, and common, and can
easily convince internet users that there will be no consequences.
If you have to torrent, take the necessary precautions, failure to which
you could be faced with lawsuits. Remember, copyright holders, are doing
everything they can behind the scenes to fight piracy. There are different
ways through which torrents can get in trouble. They are:
●
ISP penalties
●
Legal settlements
●
Malware infection
●
Loss of privacy
BitTorrent is a peer to peer network that consequently reuploads files
already downloaded by users. This exposes the users to various vulnerabilities.
Here is detailed information about the torrenting dangers you should beware of.
Copyright trolls
When you are illegally torrenting, there will be high chances of being
pursued infringing copyright. Today, accomplished actors and movie
producing studios hardly sue people for downloading their most recent releases
illegally.
The idea of copyright holders taking legal action was commonly used in
the past. However, it was abandoned for ineffectiveness in stopping the
development of BitTorrent more than a decade ago. It was then replaced by
organizations referred to as copyright trolls.
How do copyright trolls operate?
A copyright troll obtains permission from
the copyright owner to prosecute individuals who download media without
permission. The BitTorrent protocol is developed uniquely. When you connect a
gadget to a torrent, all IP addresses of gadgets linked to that torrent will be
displayed.
This means that copyright trolls can see all the people downloading or
uploading content illegally, and can pursue them. The IP addresses can be
trailed back to the ISP (Internet Service Providers) The copyright trolls then
forward a list of IP addresses and compensation letters to the service
providers. The internet service providers then send the compensation letters to
their consumers.
The compensation letters demand some thousands of dollars on the
condition that the receiver makes immediate payment. Failure to adhere to the
demands can see you fight a court battle that in the end could cost massive
amounts of money. Numerous compensation letters can be distributed with the
copyright troll hoping that the scare trick can be effective. Only then can
they claim that their efforts have borne fruit.
Following court rulings that IP addresses hardly represent identities,
you should ignore a compensation letter should you receive one. Remember,
chances are that the letter will not be addressed to a specific identity.
However, should you opt to respond to the letter you end up giving them your
identity hence easing their efforts?
Still, if you receive a letter, it should act as a warning that you are
engaging in illegal torrenting. The best action you can take is to stop or take
legal action is the situation worsens.
Malware risks
Today, computers play a critical role in the efficient running of companies
regardless of their size. Downloading a malicious file or a debilitating virus,
therefore, can halt your business operations. Torrent downloads can present a
similar risk.
However, the repercussions are the same as they would be with any other
type of file, notwithstanding the source. What makes a torrent unrecognizable?
It could be because the downloader has developed a disguised sense of
protection towards peer to peer networks. Many times, even the most cautious
user will open an unwelcome email attachment to access a downloaded torrent.
This may happen even when the user neither knows the original uploader
nor any email spammer. When you legally download a torrent, don’t run it before
scanning it with an antivirus program. If you’re lucky, you could get torrent
interface programs with plug-ins that scans incoming files automatically.
ISP throttling
Do you have a VPN connection of any other type of encryption? If you
don’t, chances are, your internet traffic will be tracked by a user’s ISP. Many
internet service providers in the USA team up with copyright holders.
They strive to save bandwidth and avoid being held liable. Due to this,
they detest torrenting whether it’s legal or not. If an internet service
provider finds any of their customers torrenting, they will begin by sending
warning letters. In the event this method fails, the ISP can throttle the
user’s bandwidth, suspend or terminate their accounts, or fine them.
Bandwidth throttling limits internet connection speed. Often, download
speed is only limited to specific ports such as those that BitTorrent clients
use. However, some internet service providers can resort to limiting the entire
traffic.
Legal battles
A big percentage of all the files available via peer to peer networks
comprises of the copyrighted material. This means that sharing the data is
illegal. Today, the chances of people who share illegal files being arrested
are greater than was the case in the past.
The music and film industry has heightened efforts to protect copyright
and catch violators. Penalties for such violation can be; getting restricted
from accessing the internet for up to 10 years. This could be accompanied by
colossal fines amounting up to $250,000.
Legal battles will not only taint your business, but they will also bring
them to a halt. To avoid this strive to downloading freeware or non-copyrighted
files. Better still, you can opt to avoid peer to peer websites.
Data safety
Many people who oppose peer to peer file sharing opine that uploading a
torrent exposes other data stored in a PC. This is an alarming claim more so
for business owners who fear that essential company data can be compromised.
While this could be true, it only affects data that’s stored in the same
location as the torrent file being uploaded. The files you download via
torrents will be distributed to other users by default. They, therefore, are
stored in a shareable folder.
You shouldn’t worry about your crucial company data being compromised.
This would be true if you don’t store essential company data in the same file
as the torrent. To enhance the safety of your company data, you may want to
deactivate the sharing of folders.
How to be safe while torrenting
To protect your data and privacy from threats emerging from peer to peer
networks, use the following computer protection ideas.
●
A robust antivirus security suite
●
Latest operating system updates installed on your
gadget
●
Internet connection encryption
These are critical things when you’re torrenting. VPNs can help with the
encrypting to disguise your activities. However, they may not be reliable with
kills switch, logjams, and DNS leakage, all of which are popular torrenting
dangers. You may want to shop around for the ultimate VPN provider.
Understand that some torrents are riskier compared to
others
Copyright trolls tend to monitor popular and new releases more closely.
It’s worth noting that any movie that’s within 60 days of their Blu-Ray and DVD
release will be highly monitored. During this period, TV shows and movies make
colossal amounts in profits.
Some of the popular torrents will present copyright trolls with a wide
range of IP addresses to pursue. This facilitates their efforts to catch
perpetrators. To be on the safe side, you want to steer clear of downloading
any popular torrents.
Use a VPN
What can you do to avoid legal battles, paying hefty fines and getting
penalized by your ISP? The answer is simple. Steer clear of piracy. There are
numerous legal and free torrenting sites you can
use. Always use a VPN to avoid these risks. Using a virtual private network is
currents said to be the most practical way of staying safe while torrenting.
A virtual private network encrypts all internet traffic in a gadget and
directs it to the user’s location of choice. This bars internet service
providers from decoding traffic and disguises the gadget’s IP address
preventing copyright trolls from tracing it. Remember, not all VPNs you
encounter are safe for torrenting.
Some of them have inadequate privacy policies and may record
user-identifying data, for instance, your IP address. Some of the free VPNs in
the market hardly encrypt peer to peer traffic. This makes them ineffective in
terms of providing you with security while you torrent. Always read user
reviews before choosing a VPN. Leverage user reviews to choose a trustworthy
and reliable VPN service for torrenting.
Use legal torrents
Downloading legal torrents is one of the methods you can use to remain on
the safe side. As we’ve already mentioned, downloading recently released
Hollywood movies on DVD or Blu-ray can plunge you into trouble. This is because
the copyright holders are always up in arms to keep a close watch on such
content.
IP addresses that download such material can be nabbed very fast. To
avert problems, only download content from legal torrents. There are numerous
types of legal content that you can download. For instance, old content,
independent movies, and open source software are available free of charge. Here
are some reliable sites from where you can get legal content.
Be wary of Netflix VPN lest it directs you to illegal
torrenting
Do you utilize Netflix outside the US? If you do, you’re currently
prohibited from utilizing a proxy to view movies and TV shows that are outside
your country. After Netflix rolled out its services globally, they embarked on
an exercise to block proxy connections regardless of their origin. This was
done to adhere to content licensing contracts with copyright holders.
As a result, many Netflix subscribers could only access selected shows
which caused dissatisfaction. Many users began using torrents to fill up their
catalogs. Not all VPN services have adopted new policies by Netflix. Some of
them can still gain access to Netflix and content that’s restricted to certain
countries.
While torrenting copyrighted data is illegal, using a virtual private
network to bypass a geo lock isn’t illegal. Some smart domain name system proxy
services provide alternative practical and legal workarounds.
Whether you’re bypassing or torrenting the Netflix firewall, always use a
VPN. Not all VPNs are made equal so always do your research to find out which
provider is an industry-endorsed, trust-worthy, and optimized torrent vpn.
Use a privacy-oriented torrent client
UTorrent is not the only torrent client there is in the market. There are
numerous other options that come with unique features. Some torrent clients who
focus on security and privacy can encrypt your torrents and conceal traffic.
While these measures are not always reliable, they can provide you with an extra layer of security.
Use proxy
To boost your anonymity, you can configure a proxy server and direct all
torrent traffic via a tunnel. This will disguise your actual IP address and
switch it with another one. Using an IP address-analyzing service such as
What’sMyIP. This way, you will be guaranteed that your actual IP address isn’t
being leaked as you download torrents.
Utilize reputable torrent sites
Legal matters are just but a tip of the things you may encounter when
using torrents. As you download a torrent file, you may not be sure what it
contains. Chances are, that it could contain malware. Once your download is
complete, you proceed to click on the file. Chances are that a virus could
infect your computer.
To reduce such risks, you can utilize trustworthy torrent sites. Remember
to read the comments below the torrent description. Administrators and active
users use these parts to notify users about problems to do with particular
torrent files. They will also recommend the best ways of solving arising issues
Finally
Apart from leveraging legal torrent
sites, using virtual private network while torrenting can help you stay on the
safe side. If you have to torrent, avoid new and popular releases. Doing so can
expose you to lawsuits and hefty fines. Understand the dangers involved in
torrenting and master these tips to stay safe as you torrent.
Article Credits: Techwarn.com
Article Credits: Techwarn.com
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