Torrent sites are popular because they let you download free content. While these torrent sites make it so convenient, is it the safest option?
With so many features of one such popular torrent site, uTorrent is used a lot by people around the globe to download content they want.
While most of the security software often flags these torrent applications, is it always a risk to use one? Is uTorrent a bad program? To what extent can this application harm my system?
If you have the same questions before trying uTorrent, this blog answers each question that you have about uTorrent.
Read ahead to learn whether Kickass Torrent is safe to use or not.
What is uTorrent?
Launched in September 2005, uTorrent is software for downloading torrent files. It is so popular that it has around a million users daily and approximately 2 billion people who have downloaded it.
The concept of torrent files is about peer-to-peer file sharing. Simplified means that data stored in torrent form can be accessed from multiple servers.
After creating a torrent file, that data can be shared across different servers by sharing a TORRENT file or a magnet link.
Is it Illegal?
While torrenting makes accessing and downloading data convenient, there’s always a risk associated with it. While it is legal to download uTorrent in most countries, its use can sometimes be illegal.
Like most torrent sites or applications, uTorrent promotes piracy by distributing copyrighted media files. For example, it is illegal to download copyrighted items like music, software, or movies using uTorrent.
Keep reading the blog if you want to learn how uTorrent can be dangerous.
Is uTorrent Safe?
No matter what software is used, torrenting will always pose a threat. While uTorrent is not necessarily a malicious program for your system, the risks are always there.
Creating a torrent file has no risk, but the source you are accessing can be dangerous. If you are torrenting, do not access or download files from sources you do not trust.
If we specifically talk about uTorrent, the software has no malware and is safe to use. The application can download the data you want and render free torrent files.
Another risk with using uTorrent applications is that you might share your IP address.
An IP address is an important online identity that can be used incorrectly. For example, your real-life location can be tracked with an IP address.
Crypto-mining is a new threat that torrent websites have made us vulnerable to.
Is UTorrenta a Virus Itself?
As we mentioned earlier in this blog, uTorrent is a software that allows sharing media files on different servers. So, it would be wrong to say that it is a type of malware or a virus.
However, security software often flags it as malicious because it results in unwanted software installation.
In other words, the application is bundled with other software or codes that get downloaded along with the installation of uTorrent.
Another reason most antivirus software detects it as a virus is that it is a peer-to-peer sharing method.
The concern with the P2P file-sharing method is that it can be used to distribute malicious codes or programs to the systems.
The downloaded torrent files can contain viruses or malware. These viruses and malware, distributed using uTorrent, can harm your system in various ways, such as manipulating or destroying your system files, installing background malware, or even crashing your system.
When installing this application, be careful not to download it only from the official website of uTorrent. There exist a lot of illegal copies of the same software containing a virus or malware.
Ads In uTorrent
If you are using the application for uTorrent, the free version will have ads you can disable by switching to a paid plan. If you use uTorrent from your web browser, you can disable ads.
A question that arises here is why ads are risky with uTorrent. The risk with ads is that some of them can be a way to distribute malware to your systems.
And it is not only ads; your activity can also be tracked. Some sources agree that your data is shared with the advertising partners as well.
So, if you use uTorrent, it is advisable to invest in its premium plans to avoid the potential threat of malware and data sharing.
Tips for Using uTorrent Safely
- The first thing you must do to install uTorrent is download it from its official website. Along with following the official website, download only the latest version of the file.
- Carefully use a VPN that provides security and hides your IP address. A secure VPN encrypts your connection, preventing your system from potential risks.
- Your system is always susceptible to a virus or malware, so it is advised to depend on a reliable antivirus program or software. With scheduled regular scans, these programs can detect and erase the suspected threats before they cause any damage to your system.
- Before downloading anything from any torrent site, check for ratings, reviews, and comments—download files only from trusted sources. The file format must be analyzed carefully to prevent any threat.
- As we discussed the risks of ads, it is recommended that you disable the ads for uTorrent.
Wrapping Up!
What attracts most people to torrent sites is that they allow free content sharing. While it makes it convenient for us to get media files and data, it poses a lot of security and privacy threats.
Different ways make uTorrent not so safe to use. With unreliable sources, there is a risk of downloading malicious codes that can threaten your system and its data. Even with ads we often ignore as we use these torrent files, there is a risk.
While uTorrent is not as safe as we claim it is, using it carefully can make it work. Simple precautions like using a VPN, antivirus programs, or trusted sources can prevent the system from potential risks.
Comment down if you have any queries.
Alexander Martin
Related posts
Stay connected
Today's pick
- Winter is coming: 8 Ways to Get Your Home ReadyAs temperatures drop, preparing your home for winter is essential to stay warm, safe, and energy-efficient. An important step in winter readiness is scheduling a “furnace tune up” to ensure your heating system is in top shape. Here are eight additional ways to winter-proof your... The post Winter is coming: 8 Ways to Get Your […]