Utorrent Security Issues

uTorrent provides very fast download speeds.

The consequences of torrent transfers tend to keep computer repair businesses booked up for months in advance. The program uTorrent is just one of many torrent download programs that give users access to the array of material available on the BitTorrent network. Problems arise not from the network or the programs that grant access, but from some of the content being downloaded, which presents security issues that affect all BitTorrent clients, uTorrent included.

Pirated Music

Pirated music is one of the most common torrent downloads.

The problem with downloading pirated copies of music using uTorrent, aside from the legal and ethical issues, is that these files are being provided by people who are not above breaking the law. They have proven this by providing you with access to illegal content. This means that you can't report them if they slip a virus onto your computer while you are downloading illegal music from them. While most people who deal in pirated music may not do this, there are a large number of others who will. Using uTorrent to connect to these computers and download pirated music just opens the door for these viruses to make their way onto your computer.

Pirated Movies

Pirated movies provide very large files in which viruses can hide.

While there are plenty of sites offering music and movies that are legally and freely distributed on bittorrent networks, it is the pirated content that comes with security issues. This is because these movies have typically been removed from DVDs and compressed in such ways that allow viruses to be included with the download. Additionally, DVD downloads are so large that there is plenty of space to include a small virus or Trojan horse within the compressed file. Once the file is opened on your computer, the Trojan horse will begin to take root within your computer and open up access to your operating system and files.

Pirated Software

Pirated software offers one of the easiest opportunities for a virus to make it onto your computer

When downloading pirated software from BitTorrent networks, it is important to keep in mind who this software is being downloaded from. Programs such as uTorrent simply provide access to files on the network and do not filter the content that is available. Pirated software comes from individuals who may have included or applied some form of hack, crack or patch that disables the registration and activation process for the program. This amounts to a small program that is being executed on your computer. While in many cases, this program will simply provide the user with access to the pirated software, it's not too difficult for a virus or Trojan horse to be embedded in this hack, crack or patch. Once such a program is executed, it will begin to open your system to other viruses and hackers.

References

• Jones PC Repair: Torrent of Troubles