You might be wondering what is torrenting.
Torrenting is a file-sharing system that relies on the BitTorrent peer-to-peer protocol. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, BitTorrent emerged as the undisputed king of file-sharing. It has gained a dangerous edge with more users using it to share copyrighted material.
Most of all, torrenting is a decentralized way of sharing files where users share bits and pieces of files. Thus, torrent downloaders rely on many sources instead of one overloaded server.
The widespread use of BitTorrent by pirates made Internet Service Providers (ISPs) interested in torrenting. Legal or illegal, ISPs are interested in torrenting, which made users seek privacy and speed in Virtual Private Networks (VPNs.)
These VPNs help encrypt the data users send and receive so that nobody can monitor any online activity, including torrenting. Here’s the deal. Not all VPN services allow torrenting. One of those VPNs that do allow torrenting is Avast SecureLine VPN but before we get into it, here’s a summary of what is a VPN.
VP what?
Internet security is an elusive goal. Users who surf the internet can be monitored and tracked without even realizing it. In other words, it’s not secure. It’s no different than using a public Wi-Fi network where users can easily tap into each other’s traffic. Unethical individuals can even create a bogus Wi-Fi network to lure in unsuspecting victims.
While surfing the internet, users leave a digital footprint everywhere they go. Using their IP address, advertisers and spies can follow them around, gathering every piece of information they can get. Even the ISPs do that. Everybody is mining for this valuable data because they can sell it (legally) to the highest bidder.
A recent development in this regard was the passing of the net neutrality bill, which gives ISPs more powers to control the internet. Don’t be surprised when you are forced to pay to use public free websites such as Facebook and Twitter. That law will force companies to pay for high speed and access to the public. That remains to be seen.
But VPNs can change all that. By creating a protective shield around traffic sources, it’s difficult for ISPs to know what the user is doing. A VPN client encrypts the data, so the user’s activity is cloaked. As a result, users hide behind a fake IP address. In a nutshell, even if you’re not torrenting, using a VPN is a wise investment in your online security.
Make no mistake, a VPN can protect your identity online, but it doesn’t make you invincible. Think of it as an extra hurdle that stops hackers from attacking you. Remember that any system is hackable with enough time, money, and determination. That doesn’t mean that you should give up. It means you should go the extra mile to secure your online presence by installing good antivirus software and the whole nine yards.
Avast SecureLine VPN
SecureLine is an award-winning VPN service that comes from the internet security giant Avast. Being a few years old with more established competitors, how does Avast SecureLine VPN compare?
How fast is it? Secure? Can you use it for torrenting?
The answers are within the next few paragraphs.
All VPN services claim that they use advanced encryption methods. What makes SecureLine unique is the sheer number of connected devices that feeds into the artificial intelligence engine. Supposedly, that data facilitate faster machine learning.
It’s safe to say that it delivers on the advanced technology promise. Therefore, users get the benefits of using a VPN service created by an online security powerhouse like Avast.
When it comes to compatibility, it works on all devices. Though, users must pay extra to be able to use it on all devices. The software itself doesn’t offer any protection for the router as it works on a PC or a mobile.
With 52 servers in 33 cities around the globe, and expanding, SecureLine is still falling behind competitors who have thousands of servers around the world. On the bright side, SecureLine does come with a kill switch, which makes it a torrent-friendly VPN. A kill switch would abort all traffic automatically if the connection to the VPN dropped for any reason.
In short, SecureLine is:
- Well-encrypted.
- Torrent-friendly.
- Truly fast.
- Easy to use.
But it’s also pricey and doesn’t play well with some streaming services such as Netflix.
Cloud Torrent Downloader
The current standard setup for downloading torrents is a VPN service and a desktop torrent client. But did you know that you can use a Cloud Torrent Downloader?
These cloud torrenting services cut through the noise and allow users to convert torrent links into a direct link. Combined with a VPN service, advertisers and hackers can’t monitor your online activity. It works smoothly in countries and regions where the governments or ISPs limit torrent usage.
Even in universities and workplaces that block peer-to-peer networking, cloud torrenting is the way around it.
Bitport.io is one of the most popular choices when it comes to cloud torrent clients. It has a simple and intuitive UI and many streaming options.
Users can stream files straight from their web browser on any PC, mobile device, smart TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. Premium accounts offer more privacy options such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protection, anti-virus scan, which is available only on Bitport.
The free account gives users up to 2 GB of cloud storage but limits them to one download every 24 hours. Still, the speed can be unlimited, that means it takes Bitport a few seconds to download a 1 GB torrent.
Conclusion
Torrenting requires taking specific security measures, such as using a VPN service. While it opens a whole new world of file-sharing, torrenting also makes users vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It’s always wise to err on the side of caution while torrenting.
Not all VPNs are built for torrenting. Though, Avast SecureLine VPN is not one of those.
Combining a VPN service with antivirus software can provide a high level of privacy and security.
For complete, near bulletproof torrenting setup, users need to sign up for cloud torrenting services such as Bitport, Nody.me, or Megabox.me.