Many users seek torrents to save money, unaware of the risks to their devices and data. Torrent files and their associated metadata are commonly bundled with malware, ransomware, or adware. Downloading a file labeled “Avengers.Endgame.2019.1080p.BluRay.x264” may instead install a cryptominer or keylogger. Moreover, P2P networks expose users’ IP addresses to anyone on the swarm, making them vulnerable to hacking, phishing, or doxxing. Parents may also be surprised to find their family IP address linked to illicit downloads, leading to ISP penalties or legal notices. In short, the “free” download can be very costly in terms of cybersecurity and privacy.

While the idea of a "free" download is tempting, torrenting popular films like The Avengers comes with significant downsides:

If you still choose to use torrent sites, make sure to take necessary precautions: