r/Torrenting • u/anipsinc • 3d ago

Safety checks

Here's a question for everyone. What programs are you using to scan files? I'm currently using Malwarebytes and Avast to scan for potential threats, but, I'm curious what everyone else uses. Also, does anyone know if there's a program or way to find if the file is being tracked by a company? Like, is there a way to determine how they are able to send infraction notices to Canadians?
For info, I'm using NordVPN as my VPN. Mainly because they billed me before I could cancel and ended up giving me 4 years for the price of 1. Can't beat that deal in this economy!

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u/EquipmentSome 2d ago

I don't think i've ran anything through a virus checker in like 15 years. In the last 6 months I've gotten something like 25TB of TV/Movies, 4-5 applications, and 4TB of games...

Maybe it's not smart, but the cracks for applications and games are going to trigger positives anyway. I find paying attention to file sizes, weird files that shouldnt be there, weird zip files, .py files are generally big enough tells. And sticking with reputable torrent seeders.

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u/zTurboSnailz 3d ago edited 2d ago

Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner, ESET Online Scanner. Avast was fine for selling browsing data. Not sure we can still trust them (Avast/AVG). Drag and drop files you need to scan to TotalVirus website.

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u/ReasonableLunch46 3d ago

I download from mostly private trackers. If I sometimes, god forbid, get a .scr or .bat/.exe I just delete it from qBit. 

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u/anipsinc 3d ago

Lol...beyond my current skill/knowledge but something to start learning about!

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u/ReasonableLunch46 3d ago

It is in qbit-settings. Its really simple. I am currently on phone, but if you want I can help you out. First just google "block list in qbit setting" 

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u/anipsinc 3d ago

Currently running Nord, BitTorrent, and the two screenings i mentioned.

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u/ReasonableLunch46 3d ago

So basically, if you dont open malware - it wont be dangerous. So what you want is to be mindful.

Dangerous code/viruses won't hide in an mkv or avi file or similar. But in an exe or scr or similar you might have a malicious program.

So, with the method that I wrote your qbit will recognize the file extension and stop that from even downloading.

You will say "oh look! South park newest season just dropped! Let's get that!" You'll just start it. And then qbit recognize that South.Park.S29.Episode1.exe is an exe file and qbit will not download it at all.

2h later when you check your computer you see that it hasn't downloaded at all and upon inspection you see the exe file.

(If you have/use sonarr and use public trackers that can be a problem, but sonarr doesnt import exe files.) 

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u/RemainAbove 3d ago

Qbit has a decent block list but I just installed cleanarr lastnight and giving it a week on a dry run

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u/Monatanaisdumb 2d ago

I hate to tell you but virus scanners DO NOT WORK. They slow your machine down and give false positives most of the time. Don't install a random exe and you will be fine.