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When browsing the Internet, using download services or using any service, we may 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 dangers that exist when downloading torrent and what we must do to be protected at all times.
Risks of lowering torrent
Although the torrent downloads They are usually linked to illegal content, the truth is that you can download Linux distributions, computer programs, music or movies legally. There is copyrightless content that is distributed through this medium. Now, that does not mean that you may have security problems, so it is convenient to know the risks when downloading torrent files and taking measures.
Download malware
The first clear risk of downloading torrent files is downloading some malware without realizing it. That Linux distribution or application you are downloading may be false and they have put it there simply to strain some kind of virus. By downloading the content, you would be getting malicious software in the team.
It is a method through which keyloggers, ransomware, Trojans can be strained ... Especially it can happen if you are going to download pirated content, since that is where hackers take the opportunity to maliciously modify files and infect victims' equipment.
Data theft and passwords
Those malicious files you can download could be used to steal passwords or personal information. Hackers are constantly looking for ways to put privacy at risk and collect data of all kinds, and this of course also includes passwords.
A clear example is if that torrent file you are downloading contains a keylogger. That type of malware what it does is record all the keystrokes you make. That will allow an attacker to steal username and password to access social media, email, etc.
Download fake programs or files
You should also take into account the risk that you are downloading a program or file that really is false. Although that doesn't necessarily mean you have malware, maybe what you're going down is very different from what you expect. For example, if you are downloading an application to edit open source images, someone may have 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 had installed, so you should take action as soon as possible and not download software that may be fake.
They can know your IP
You should also note that when you download torrent files you connect to a P2P network. Basically it is a series of devices that share files. This makes our public IP address can be exposed and know personal information about us, such as the 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 get to track you when you download a torrent.
How to avoid attacks
After explaining what are the main risks of downloading torrent, 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.
Using a good antivirus
Something fundamental is having security programs. A good antivirus is going to help you prevent malicious software from entering by detecting possible files that are going to be a danger. Also, if you have already downloaded any malware without realizing it, it will also help you detect and eliminate it as soon as possible.
There are many options available, both free and paid. You should always choose one that works correctly 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 on the network.
Have everything updated
Of course, another point to keep in mind is the importance of having everything correctly updated. This includes the operating system, but also the program to download torrent or any software you use. This way you will correct problems and also make performance optimal.
In the case of Windows, to update it you have to go to Start, you enter Configuration and click on Windows Update. There will appear 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 go to download something from the Internet, it is important to check that it is reliable 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 put a virus in everyone who downloads it.
Normally the download programs, the pages where the torrents are, have detailed information. There you can see the comments of other users to find possible irregularities and avoid downloading files that pose a security hazard.
Use VPN
To prevent your IP address from leaking when downloading torrent, 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 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, those that really guarantee your privacy and no problems will arise. Options like NordVPN or ExpressVPN work very well.
Common sense
But if there is something fundamental to download torrent files safely and having no problems, it is common sense. Hackers, in most cases, are going to need us to make a mistake. For example downloading a document from a dangerous site.
So what you should do is avoid making mistakes of that type. This will reduce the risk that they may attack you by straining 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 equipment, your security and privacy is essential.
