November 12, 2021
Daniel Markuson of NordVPN: Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Devices & Personal Data
Whether a cybersecurity newbie or expert, there’s always something new to learn. In light of the [...]
WHAT’S IN THIS REVIEW?
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Together, torrenting and NordVPN are a trustworthy match if you’re looking for free, digital media. On the other hand, torrenting does receive some negative publicity because it offers access to copyrighted material.
AlwaysVPN does not support illegal torrenting. Torrents should only be used for legal file sharing and downloading.
Many abuse this system and illegally download these files to their libraries. It’s essentially stealing from hard-working content creators and that is something we do not encourage. So, if you’re looking for a solution for legal torrenting, NordVPN is the answer.
Before we dive into the why and how, let’s go over the basics of torrenting.
What is Torrenting?
Torrenting uses a decentralized P2P (peer-to-peer) network to host small downloadable files. It’s a popular method to share and access digital media like music, videos, ebooks, and games.
Years ago, one of the best torrenting sites for downloading files was LimeWire. Up until they had to close shop in 2010 because of a massive lawsuit from the US music industry. Long story short, they were allowing users to commit copyright infringement at a shocking level.
With that said, this is the perfect segway into the execution of safe torrenting.
Is it Safe to Download Torrent Files?
Cutting right to the chase, torrenting is safe when done correctly—with a few risks to consider. Torrent files are crowdsourced and each download works on a P2P basis. So, there is a chance that some of the files you sift through have copyrights or are trying to carry out a cyber attack against the downloader.
ISP notice and speed throttling
Internet service providers (ISPs) can be quick to respond when a user is downloading illegal torrent files because they’re able to track online activity. There are two ways ISPs approach this type of traffic.
First, they can send the accused a formal letter asking to simply desist from illegal torrenting. Or, they may begin to throttle internet speeds to intentionally slow down a user’s connection—making it less than optimal to download torrent files that require more bandwidth.
When downloading torrent files with copyrights, an ISP can track this. That’s why we recommend using a VPN to hide your IP address. When your IP address is hidden, an ISP can no longer monitor a user’s online activity. And in the case of accidentally downloading copyrighted content, a VPN will also protect you from being identified and sued for illegal activity.
Pro Tip: Use a reliable VPN that supports torrenting so you can hide your downloading history and protect yourself from cyber criminals.
Malicious malware and viruses
When downloading anything from the internet, you must be vigilant—especially with torrent files. Cyber criminals can be clever in disguising files that look legitimate but have malware or viruses attached. When downloaded, these can create a serious problem for you and your device—e.g. stolen data, system disruption, or threats for ransom through file encryption. A dependable way to safeguard is by using antivirus software. One can then scan files and find the ones absent of malicious intent.
Pro Tip: Read comments from other downloaders to determine if a torrent file is legitimate or not.
Why Should I Use NordVPN for Torrenting?
Without a doubt, NordVPN is a prominent name in the industry, but they’re also recognized as one of the best VPNs for torrenting.
They highlight their support for users downloading torrent files, all while keeping it in the legal realm. And what propels NordVPN as a torrenting leader in our eyes is their Server Recommended feature. This helps users find a P2P server with optimal speeds for downloading torrent files.
pros
- Over 5,200 P2P-optimized servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Verified zero logs policy
cons
- Lacking servers in Africa and Middle East regions
- Max of 6 connected devices
- Pricier compared to other VPN providers
All in all, the pros outweigh the cons, especially if downloading torrents, guaranteed privacy, and air-tight security are all at the top of your mind. NordVPN is the all-in-one package for a favorable and safe torrenting experience.
How to Torrent with NordVPN
NordVPN is highly intuitive and makes it super easy for new users to set up and begin torrenting. In 3 simple steps, you’ll be equipped and ready to build your library with all kinds of digital media.
Step 1:
Choose and purchase a NordVPN plan.
Step 2:
Download the NordVPN app to your device or platform of choice.
Step 3:
Connect to an optimized P2P server and begin downloading torrent files.
Final Thoughts
With the combination of our testing and credible customer reviews, we determined NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for torrenting. Their service will not only deliver optimal speeds for torrent downloading but also keep your online activity secure and protect your device from cyber attacks. The ultimate and undeniable triple threat.
We urge you to keep your downloading to only uncopyrighted material and remain cautious of suspicious files. And as long as you stick to that plan of action, NordVPN has got your back.
