Are you facing a dilemma regarding the safety of BitTorrent or uTorrent? Maybe you are unable to determine which one is safer, right? Fret not! This article will help you. Both torrent sites have emerged as lucrative options for worldwide users. However, their underlying risks are difficult to ignore. This article will discuss an in-depth analysis of both BitTorrent and uTorrent in Detail to help you make the safest choice. So, let’s get started with each one by one and discover which one is safer. Here we go…
What Is BitTorrent?
BitTorrent, a revolutionary method of peer-to-peer file sharing, has transformed the way we share, distribute, or access large-size files. Go over the following subsections to know more about BitTorrent and its usage. Here we go…
Developed by Bram Cohen, BitTorrent, also known as peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol, is a convenient decentralized platform. It helps users transfer massive amounts of data or electronic files such as games, TV shows, audiobooks, or more over a robust internet connection. The best thing about this file sharing system is that – unlike other downloading methods, it works with the lowest internet bandwidth.
It does not download files from a single server or multiple servers. Rather than this, it allows users to join the hosts to share different packets or files with each other. As one peer receives a packet or data file, it becomes a source for another peer, thus the name peer-to-peer file sharing. As a result of this, it reduces the burden on the seed or original source to send the file to every computer or server.
What Are the Risk Points Of BitTorrent?
BitTorrent was not built for piracy and malware attacks. Thus, the peer-to-peer file-sharing or BitTorrent platform has its vulnerabilities. It often becomes subject to risks that users cannot simply ignore. Check out the following pointers to know its risk factors:
➣ Pirated Content
- As said earlier, BitTorrent was not created for pirated content, which makes it controversial. The thing is that it does not discriminate between illegal or legal content these days. According to statistical data, the US economy has to bear the loss of at least $29.2 billion in revenue every year.
- This is because of copyrighted issues or global piracy of movies or TV shows. BitTorrent significantly increases the prevalence of online video piracy. Some users access this platform with VPN software to share illegal content anonymously.
- Hence, approach the peer-to-peer file-sharing destination with caution. The onus is on you how you want to access it. You can use it for legal file-sharing or contribute to illegal downloading of the content.
➣ Malware Attacks and Viruses
- Do you know how downloading pirated content can be the cause of malware attacks? Yes, you read that right. Users who often access BitTorrent to download pirated content may invite viruses into their system. Some users often end up clicking malware-infected ads or content, which impacts their security directly.
- According to reports, in 2022,5.5 billion users became the victim of cyberattacks. And yes, the website’s pirated content service played a major role, as always, in all this. If you are also one of the pirated content downloaders, then beware. Do not put your internet security at risk. Use BitTorrent cautiously.
➣ Exposure of Online Identity
- No strategy can prove to be beneficial if you use BitTorrent for illegal purposes. It can disclose your IP addresses and can trigger the risk of negative consequences. The malicious actors can become active to hack your data or sensitive information.
- Hence, do not use this site illegitimately. Otherwise, the digital footprints that you leave may become the cause of stealing money from the bank.
➣ Internet Throttling
- If your internet service provider detects illegal usage of the BitTorrent platform, he can throttle your internet speed. It simply means that internet service providers may intentionally slow down your internet speed. This limits the total bandwidth that you consume. Conversely, the continuous violation of the copyrighted material can lead to legal action. Furthermore, the internet service provider can terminate your internet services.
- Don’t worry, there are some safe sides to using BitTorrent, which we will discuss in the upcoming section. Read on
What Are the Safe Points Of BitTorrent?
The effectiveness of BitTorrent largely depends on how safely you use it. Yes, you read that right. Your safety is in your hands when using BitTorrent. Let’s discover key recommendations on its right usage here:
➣ Access Only Authorized Websites
- Websites you visit can become the carrier of malware-infected files. Without your approval, they can download malware-infected files for you. This allows malicious actors to track what you type and search for on your computer.
- Hence, you should access only authorized websites to download copyrighted media. Your negligence can trigger the risk of malicious activities. Study the website carefully before you hit the option download. It will save you a lot of pain, trust that!
➣ Avoid Clicking Pop-Up Ads
- Next, you should avoid pop-up ads while downloading or streaming online content on websites. Needless to say, free websites contain a higher risk of infected pop-up ads and banners.
- Many times, hackers create fake pop-up ads to infect your system. So, avoid such untrustworthy sites or their pop-up ads.
➣ Consider the File Size When You Download
- File size also matters! Yes, you should pay attention to the file size when downloading any media or presentation using BitTorrent. It has been observed that malicious actors hide their malware-infected files in popular content.
- While downloading a file, you should ensure that there is no mismatch between the file size and file format. If you find any mismatch, do not put your online safety at risk. No matter how important it is, avoid accessing such files.
➣ Download Reliable Antivirus Software
- Having antivirus software is a MUST if you want to be safe when using BitTorrent. Hence, it is critical to have reliable antivirus software to access the BitTorrent file-sharing protocol.
- An antivirus software will block malicious virus-containing websites or media files. Hence, choose only trustworthy antivirus software to access the copyrighted content. This is vital to ensure your internet address identity.
➣ Install VPN Software
- Additionally, you should download and install VPN software. This will not only help to bypass geographical-based content but will also ensure your internet identity is anonymous. As a result, you can safely use the peer-to-peer file-sharing platform.
Now before moving on BitTorrent or uTorrent, let’s understand everything about the uTorrent. Here we go…
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What Is uTorrent?
The decentralized nature of uTorrent has changed the way we download or access content over a robust internet network. Read the upcoming section to learn more about the uTorrent. Here we go…
Developed by Luvig Strigeus, is a free program that users use to download large files. uTorrent was launched in September 2005. It is a free, beginner-friendly BitTorrent client that you can use to download applications, movies, games, books, and more from other people on the internet. The best part is that you can access it on various operating systems (OS), including Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux. Let’s now take a look at the riskier side of this software…
What Are the Risk Points of the uTorrent
Indeed, uTorrent is not an illegal platform. However, there are some risk factors that you should know to use it safely and illegally. Check out the following risk factors associated with the uTorrent:
➣ Vulnerable Software
- Here is the most crucial thing that you should not ignore. There are potential vulnerabilities that the uTorrent client, which you frequently use for file sharing, may encounter. These vulnerabilities arise when the software version becomes outdated.
- Therefore, it is important to regularly update it to the latest version to avoid potential security vulnerabilities.
➣ Legal Actions
- The illegal distribution or downloading of copyrighted content is a criminal activity. The users found in copyright content infringement can be subject to legal action. There have been many instances in the US where such violators have faced legal trials.
- Depending on the jurisdiction, they can be charged with a fine or sent to jail for a certain time. It is important to ensure that you use this platform in a lawful manner. Otherwise, using the uTorrent file-sharing platform can lead to legal consequences.
➣ Slow Down Internet Speed
- Remember that your internet service provider may detect uTorrent traffic. If you violate copyrighted policies, it can throttle down your speed. Moreover, it can send the report to the content owner.
➣ Malware Activities
- Not all downloaded or shared files contain viruses. However, some files can be malicious on uTorrent. The risk goes higher if you access the platform for pirated content or cracked products.
- Hence, beware of such vulnerable or illegal files. Malicious actors often hide infected viruses in these files. Furthermore, avoid clicking banners–ads or pop-up ads visible on the screen.
➣ Privacy Issues
- Do you know that digital crooks can see what you type on your computer through their system? Moreover, they can search for stored passwords and even hack your credit card information. uTorrent was not intended for this purpose.
- However, its reputation has taken a turn for the worse. Hence, use it with any reliable software that can allow you to distribute or download data files anonymously.
Similar to BitTorrent, uTorrent also has a positive side. Check out this section for that.
What Are the Safe Points of the uTorrent?
Now that you have learned the risk factors associated with uTorrent. It’s time to discover how you can safeguard your data, identity, or more using the protocol. Let’s dig in.
➣ Install a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
The Virtual Private Network or VPN can make your internet activities anonymous. It simply means whatever you search for on the internet cannot be visible on anyone’s screen. You can access the copyrighted content on the uTorrent without any risk. Then there is no danger. But remember that untrustworthy VPN software can act negatively. Study well about the software that you have chosen.
➣ Research Authentic Sources
Before signing up on any uTorrent site or downloading any content from its resources, you should research the source very well. Choose only the verified files to download. The digital footprints you leave for digital crooks can direct them to password hacking or credit card cybercrime. Do not leave your impression on every kind of source on the internet.
➣ Follow Copyrighted Norms
If you want to safeguard your reputation plus day-to-day online activities, you should follow the copyrighted norms. In simple terms, you should not download pirated content or cracked products on the uTorrent. Download or access for which you have got authorized approval.
Now the question here is – which is safer: BitTorrent or uTorrent?
Check it out here….
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Which Is the Safe Option – BitTorrent or uTorrent
Often, users say that it is pointless to talk about BitTorrent vs. uTorrent in the context of safety. This is because they are both legal torrent platforms owned by Rainberry Inc. But there are a lot of things that you should know before accessing them.
It is worth noting that these platforms are not purely unsafe. Yes, you read that right! The whole thing depends on how you use these platforms. Keep in mind that only your right or wrong usage can make them vulnerable or robust.
What shall you do in such a situation?
Well, you should keep the following pointers in mind to verify the files when using BitTorrent or uTorrent.
- Look for the verified contents – You may explore a plethora of large-size files containing games, TV programs, music, or audiobooks on these torrent sites. However, it is crucial to know that they all are not verified. Now, the onus is on you what you want to download. Search for verified content to ensure safe and secure internet activities.
- Research the numbers of leechers and seeders – The higher the number of leechers and seeders indicates that the file is legit.
- Verify the file type or extension – The next thing that you can do is you should verify the file type or extension. Generally, digital crooks send infected files in other formats. So, ensure that there is no mismatch between the file type or file format.
- Go through the reviews or comments – Look for reviews or feedback. If there are any reviews or comments available with the file, do not overlook them. They are important when you use any one of the torrent sites. After all, they can make you aware of any fraud or unauthorized access beforehand.
- Be careful with pop-up ads – Those who use these Torrent sites very well know that there are a few pop-up ads on them. However, it is crucial to know that clicking them, even by mistake, can be unsafe. Hence, it is vital to always avoid adware. There is a risk of damage to your device and the sensitive information it contains. Therefore, it is advisable not to click on them.
- Look out for suspicious or fake content – If any one of the torrent sites shows you any content that is not released yet, it is pirated or a digital crooks’ nefarious attempt. Do not download it on your system. This is because there is a higher possibility of downloading malware programs along with pirated files.
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Wrapping It Up
So, this is all about BitTorrent and uTorrent. Hopefully, this article has been informative for you and helped you choose the safest option between BitTorrent and uTorrent. Know that both platforms offer both risky and safe sides. However, it is crucial to make the right choice. And as we said, be mindful when using any of these platforms, as your safety totally depends on your discretion on how you use them.
If you use them for pirated content, then surely your safety will be at stake. So, it is vital to make mindful choices when downloading content using these sites. Make sure to analyze the content thoroughly prior to downloading. Verify their authenticity before you download any content online with the help of these platforms. If you access them for the right purpose and with precautionary steps, they are safer. Otherwise, they can lead to irreversible consequences.
