My father taught me, “Nothing is ever free.” And that includes software, movies, or music via BitTorrents or pirated software.
A BitTorrent is a communication protocol for peer-to-peer file sharing (P2P), which enables users to distribute data and electronic files over the Internet. Yes, BitTorrent is a legitimate file transfer protocol, and using it — often called torrenting — is legal as long as the content can be downloaded or uploaded legally. However, using it to download copyrighted material, like a brand-new movie, is not lawful without the copyright owner’s permission.
The truth is, many people have been tricked into pirated software by the countless “free download” websites that exist on the Internet.
Now, for those who don’t understand the term pirating. Software piracy is the unauthorized use, copying, or distribution of copyrighted software. So downloading an illegal copy of a program, movie, or the latest song from Adelle is illegal and very dangerous.
While BitTorrent websites may be legal and, at times, a safe way to download permitted content, they are one of the main tools hackers and other cybercriminals use to gain access to or gain control of your systems.
As shared by Downloading Privacy The most common dangers of using Bittorrent and downloading torrents are:
• Malware and Viruses
• Cyber Attacks, Hacking
• Bandwidth Throttling and/or Monitoring by your ISP
• Legal Risk (as previously mentioned)
Most especially without using a VPN, your IP address, a unique identifier that points to your computer’s virtual location, is all a hacker needs to target your data. You put yourself at risk when you use BitTorrent to download files, as every “Peer” you connect to in your BitTorrent “Swarm” can see your IP address. A swarm is just a group of people who own or share a particular file, including you.
Let me try to explain this as clearly as possible: when you download a “free” version of Adobe Photoshop, the chances are high that there is malware hidden in the installer, just waiting to infiltrate your computer. Malware could show up as simple as tracking your browsing patterns, showing you additional and annoying pop-ups, but it can also install a backdoor on your computer. If it’s a more advanced version of the malware, it can even encrypt all the files stored on your hard drive until you pay for their software.
Malware is often injected into your system as soon as the movie launches.
Let’s talk about movies. Many people assume downloading a free movie off of a torrent is safe. Well, guess again. Then, while viewing the movie, malicious code is being executed in the background without you even knowing what is happening. Too many people get tempted by the concept of getting something for nothing. While you may think it’s pretty cool to download the latest Adelle song without having to pay for it, trust me, in the end, you’ll eventually pay for it.
And for the love of Pete, please don’t use a pirated version of an Antivirus product. #palmtoforehead!
Dale, here sharing what I know to help keep families safe and smart with the technology they use.
