How to Download Torrents Safely

Learn how torrents connect. When downloading torrent files, your IP address will be visible to torrent sharers. This is necessary for the torrent program to connect with other users, but leaves you vulnerable to torrent-hunting organizations. Including internet service providers (ISPs) and copyright protection agencies. There are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk and prevent your ISP from slowing down your connection. ^[1]

Install PeerBlock. PeerBlock is a program that blocks the IP address of a well-known torrent tracker. The program prevents computers from connecting to these IP addresses, especially preventing them from participating in your torrent traffic. This is not optimal because your ISP can still detect that you are torrenting. But here’s a quick and simple way to reduce the risk of getting a warning letter from the RIAA or MPAA.

• You can download PeerBlock for free from peerblock.com . Follow the instructions to install PeerBlock and get started. The program will run in the background and block connections to notorious IP addresses. Use the “P2P” list from Bluetack for basic torrent protection when first setup is required.

Consider using a VPN service. To stay anonymous when downloading torrents, you can sign up for a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service. You’ll pay a few bucks a month and surf the web in complete privacy. Your internet service provider (ISP) doesn’t know you’re transmitting torrent data, so it can’t restrict the transmission. Organizations that monitor your IP address don’t see your real IP, so they can’t send reminders. ^[2]

• VPN services have some limitations. Firstly, these services are not free, you need to balance the cost of the service and the benefits it brings. The network speed will decrease because the traffic is sent to the VPN server and then to your computer. Since you connect to the VPN in another country, the network speed will decrease significantly. Finally, a VPN service can store records and make them available to law enforcement agencies. However, you can find a service that doesn’t keep records.

Select and sign up for a VPN service. There are different VPN services with different prices, structures, and privacy policies. Remember to read the terms carefully, you should be on the lookout for VPN services that store detailed profiles. Also, not all VPN services allow torrenting. Here are some popular VPN services, you can find countless others on Google tool. Avoid using free VPNs and proxies as they are not secure. Many paid VPN services operate outside the US because of lax data storage laws. ^[3]

• PrivateInternetAccess
• TorGuard
• IPVanish
• IVPN

Find VPN connection information. When you sign up for a VPN service, you are provided with connection information. This information includes VPN server addresses, usernames, and passwords. You may have to log into the VPN website to find this information.

Open the torrent program. After signing up for a VPN service, you need to continue configuring your torrent program to connect to the VPN.

Open the Options or Preferences menu. You can find this option in the Tops or Options menu at the top of the torrent program.

Click on the “Connection” tab. This tab allows you to adjust connection settings, including adding VPN connection information.

Select the VPN type in the “Type” menu, in the “Proxy Server” section. Most VPNs use SOCKS5. Double check your VPN connection information if you are unsure.

Enter the VPN address and port. You can find connection information when you log in to the VPN website. Many VPN services offer many different servers for you to connect to, which can increase internet speed.

• Don’t forget to check the “Use proxy for peer connections” box.