As you probably know, the torrent P2P protocol (BitTorrent) is a file-sharing technology that provides users with access to virtually unlimited content. This protocol is one of the most popular for peer-to-peer torrent file sharing in the world. Torrenting is almost entirely decentralized, except for trackers that enable users to search and download magnet links and p2p files. Magnet links and torrent files are used to find users on the network who host the needed files, although they don’t host those files.

Torrent users do, however, face many security threats each time they download or share a file, and before you start torrenting, you should take the time to learn how to torrent safely.

Are torrents legal?

Yes, BitTorrent file-sharing technology is legal. Although the technology is legitimate, how you use it might not be. Whether P2P downloads are illegal or legal depends on which files are being downloaded, who holds the rights reserved to these files, and where you are located. Different laws apply to different countries regarding torrent file sharing and copyright issues.

If a user chooses to download files that are copyright protected, whether or not it is illegal will depend on the country’s laws.

Tips on how to torrent safely

The tips below will show you how to torrent safely.

Tip #1 – Take care when choosing your torrent client

Torrent clients range from the simple, straightforward to the extremely powerful. Many clients, e.g., Vuze, have extra features, including add-ons, plugins, and additional functionality. These features do, however, often mean that performance and security are sacrificed.

The more popular p2p clients such as Vuze, BitTorrent, and uTorrent are monetizing the software through embedded software, advertisements, and ‘pro,’ paid-for versions. This can have detrimental effects as was the case when uTorrent installed bitcoin mining software without its users being aware, or have given their consent.

Before deciding on which client to use, make sure that you really want all the extra features, or whether a secure, lightweight, and open-source solution will work just as well for you. This was the first tip on how to torrent safely.

Tip #2 – Ensure maximum privacy by configuring your torrent software properly

When you’re learning how to safely torrent, one of the steps you need to take is to use a VPN or a proxy, or both. If you use a VPN-only option, you don’t need to do any configuring. Connect to the VPN server, open the torrent client, and start torrenting.

You might want to check the IP address of the torrent when the VPN is used for the first time to ensure that everything is working as it should.

If you are using a Proxy service, it takes 5 minutes to configure when you use it for the first time, but the p2p client will save these settings and apply them whenever you use the p2p/torrent software. If you use a VPN plus a Proxy, it will give you the best possible protection, and this is a good option for those who are very conscious of privacy.

Tip #3 – Use a VPN or proxy that does not log your activities

To hide their internet activity from an ISP (Internet Service Provider), p2p users often use virtual private networks (VPNs), or proxy services to protect their torrent traffic. Using a VPN while torrenting is legal!

As VPNs can be used for a wide range of applications, some are more suitable for torrenting than others. Beware of the VPN disadvantages and always select a VPN that:

• It does not log your activity.
• It is fast enough not to slow down streaming content.
• It is not based in a country where customer records can be demanded legally.

Here are several VPN services that you may use for safe torrenting: NordVPN, Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN.

>> Recommended reading: Is there such a thing as a free torrent VPN?

Tip #4 – Avoid IP Leaks

Vulnerabilities are exposed to VPN software all the time. Some affect entire VPN protocols, while others affect specific providers.

The main issue related to torrenting is getting your real IP address exposed while connected to VPN and get the torrent traffic associated with your location. To minimize your risk, do the following:

• Update your VPN software as soon as a new update is released.
• Install a VPN Kill Switch – this will kill your internet connection as soon as the VPN drops and protect your real IP address.
• Use a site such as IPLeak.net to check for IP address leaks.

Tip #5 – Use a good antivirus program that includes live monitoring

The 5th tip on how to torrent safely: Installing a good antivirus will help you detect malicious scripts when you browse dangerous sites. Many of these, including Mcafee, Avast, Bitdefender and AVG, have live monitoring that warns you before accessing a website that’s known or suspected to be dangerous.

Tip #6 – Use a search engine that does not track your details

Google tracks every search you make and tracks you through browser cookies. For private searches, use an anonymous search engine such as DuckDuckGo.

Tip #7 – Make sure your web history stays private

Your web history is NOT private when you switch on Incognito Mode in Chrome or Private Browsing mode in Firefox.

Google is still able to track your search history, even if you are connected to a VPN server. ISPs also track your web history if your Internet connection uses their DNS servers (it is always a good idea to use no logs DNS servers). These leaks can be prevented by using the Tor Browser for browsing the internet anonymously.

Tip #8 – Choose torrents carefully and avoid “hot” items

When figuring out how to harmlessly download torrents, don’t use the most popular torrents on KickassTorrents and ThePirateBay, as these are closely monitored by copyright trolls. Don’t use unpopular torrents as there is probably a reason why they are not used often. Avoid hot items, such as movies or anything else that has been released recently.

Additionally, you may use a solution that filters “dangerous” IP addresses (the ones uses to spread malware, spyware, etc.), like Peerblock.

Tip #9 – Read all the comments on a torrent before downloading it

If copyright holders are monitoring a torrent, you will often find comments on it, mentioning that a user received a letter when downloading a specific torrent. One of the first rules on how to securely download a torrent is not to download that torrent! Look for comments that say things like “Great quality” or “I will seed.” That is some indication that there are no problems with that torrent.

Tip #10 – Never download installable or executable files

A torrent file can harm your computer and it may steal your private data. P2P files that install software on your PC by using a .bat or.exe file are the most dangerous. Your infection risk is likely to drop by as much as 90% if you don’t install these files from a p2p site.

Although scripts can be embedded in other file types such as PDF and some video formats, this happens less often, and these file types usually are less dangerous. Also, be careful of FLV files (flash video).

Tip #11 – Never click on ad banners and use an ad-blocker

Although this is obvious, many people still fall for interactive and gamified banners.

The free Adblock will completely remove ads from the websites you visit. It does not replace the ads with blank space, but rather reformats the space, so you don’t even notice that there were ads there.

Tip #12 – Get invited to a private torrent community

One way to decrease the likelihood of getting a torrent with a virus is to get an invite to a private torrent community. These torrents are much more trustworthy because the members of that community create and share all the torrents. It is, however, tricky to find and get into a private community because you need to know someone who can invite you.

The best way to achieve this is by being active in online communities and make friends with a person that has access to a private torrent community.

How to torrent safely – Summary

Although the BitTorrent protocol is entirely legal, it can be used illegally by downloading content that is copyright protected. Whether or not this is the case will depend on the ownership of the content, how it is licensed, and the laws of the country in which you reside. Many reputable torrent sites will only share legal content.

Torrenting has many security threats when files are shared or downloaded. We hope that the tips shared in this article have shown you how to torrent safely. Apply them diligently, and you should not experience any problems with either legal or security issues.