When browsing the Internet, using download services or using any service, we can suffer computer attacks. There are many risks that can compromise our safety and the proper functioning of the equipment. That increases in certain situations. In this article we are going to talk about the dangers that exist when downloading torrent and what we must do to be protected at all times.
Risks of downloading torrent
Although torrent downloads are often linked to illegal content, the truth is that you can legally download Linux distributions, software, music or movies. There is content without copyright that is distributed through this medium. Now, that doesn’t mean you can have security problems, so it’s a good idea to know the risks when downloading torrent files and take action.
download malware
The first clear risk of downloading torrent files is downloading malware without realizing it. That Linux distribution or application that you are downloading may be fake and have been put there simply to sneak some kind of virus. By downloading the content, you would be putting malicious software on your computer.
It is a method through which they can sneak in keyloggers, ransomware, Trojans… This can especially happen if you are going to download pirted content, since that is where hackers take the opportunity to maliciously modify files and infect the victims’ computers.
Theft of data and passwords
Those malicious files that you can download could be used to steal passwords or personal information . Hackers are constantly looking for ways to compromise privacy and collect data of all kinds, and this of course includes passwords.
A clear example is if the torrent file you are downloading contains a keylogger. What this type of malware does is record all the keystrokes you make. This will allow an attacker to steal usernames and passwords to access social networks, email, etc.
Download fake programs or files
You should also be aware of the risk that you are downloading a program or file that is actually fake . While that doesn’t necessarily mean it has malware, what you’re downloading may be very different from what you expect. For example, if you are downloading an open source image editing application, it is possible that someone has uploaded another program that has nothing to do with it.
This can affect the performance of the equipment, since you could not make normal use of that application. It could even affect other programs that you already have installed, so you should take action as soon as possible and avoid downloading software that may be fake.
They can know your IP
You should also keep in mind that when you download torrent files you connect to a P2P network. It is basically a series of devices that share files. This exposes our public IP address to personal information about us, such as our actual geographic location.
This problem will cause your privacy to be compromised. After all, with the IP address they will be able to obtain a lot of information and track you when you download a torrent.
How to avoid attacks
After explaining the main risks of downloading torrents, we are going to give some tips to avoid attacks . The objective is to download files without compromising the security of the device, but also maintaining our privacy at all times and not exposing personal information.
Use a good antivirus
Something fundamental is to have safety programs . A good antivirus will help you prevent the entry of malicious software by detecting possible files that are going to be a danger. Also, if you have already downloaded some malware without realizing it, it will also help you detect and remove it as soon as possible.
There are many options available, both free and paid. You should always choose one that works properly and protects you without problems on the network. Alternatives like Windows Defender, Bitdefender or Avast are widely used and work well. They will allow you to avoid attacks if you download torrent or any file from the network.
keep everything up to date
Of course, another point to keep in mind is the importance of having everything correctly updated. This includes the operating system, but also the torrent downloader or whatever software you use. In this way you will correct problems and also achieve optimal performance.
In the case of Windows, to update it you have to go to Start, enter Settings and click on Windows Update . There you will see possible pending files that you must install to have the latest versions. This is important to correct problems, but also to improve performance.
Download only reliable content
Whenever you are going to download something from the Internet, it is important that you verify that it is legitimate content and not a trap. You can see comments from other users , for example. This will help you avoid files that have actually been uploaded to the network to spread a virus to anyone who downloads it.
Normally the download programs, the pages where the torrent is, have detailed information. There you can see the comments of other users to find possible irregularities and avoid downloading files that pose a security risk.
Use VPN
To prevent your IP address from being leaked when torrenting, there is nothing better than using a good VPN . What this type of program does is encrypt the connection and hide personal data such as the IP. It is also very interesting to connect to public networks that can be a danger.
Here you will also find many options available to install a VPN. There are both free and paid. However, the latter are the most reliable, the ones that really guarantee your privacy and problems will not arise. Options like NordVPN or ExpressVPN work very well.
Common sense
But if there is something essential to download torrent files safely and without problems, it is common sense. Hackers, in most cases, are going to need us to make a mistake. For example downloading some document from a dangerous site.
Therefore, what you should do is avoid making mistakes of this type. This way you will reduce the risk that they can attack you by sneaking in a Trojan, keylogger or any other variety of malware that infects your system.
In short, as you have seen there are certain risks when downloading torrent. It is important that you take action and do not fall into the trap if you are going to download a file. Protecting the equipment, your security and privacy is essential.