How to get Torrent Scan for any malware before downloading a file?
Is there any way to carry out a torrent scan way to check if a torrent file has malware or not, before actually downloading it via uTorrent f.e. I only know the VirusTotal site. Is this one reliable? Because each time I passed a link in it, it says that the link/file is safe. So I am not sure if every single link/file I paste on the site is clear and safe or just the web doesn't detect malware well.
The best option for me for torrent scan would be to have a way to check it on the web without downloading 3rd party apps.
Before downloading the file, you can see if there is a virus by doing the following:
- Check the comments. If there are spam comments or comments that are irrelevant to the content, then it is mostly like a virus.
- Check to the file extension. If you are trying to torrent music, movies, books, or documents, then your file should not end in the extension .exe. If there is a .exe file and you’re not downloading a program, then the file is a virus.
- Next, are the ways to tell if the file is a virus when the file is in the downloading state. Here are the ways:
If a new tab or new window of your browser opens while downloading the file, it is probably a virus. If the web page that you download the file from, starts to redirect to another site while downloading the file, it is probably a virus. Last, but least are the ways to know if there is a virus after the file has been downloaded. Here are the ways: Run a torrent scan with your antivirus and if your antivirus detects something, it is probably a virus. Most antivirus will automatically quarantine malicious files, but they won’t delete them. If a malicious program starts to automatically install itself on your computer without you manually or giving it permission to install itself, it is probably a virus.
Answer (1)
Before downloading a file via torrent, you can take several precautions to minimize the risk of downloading malware:
Use Trusted Sources: Stick to reputable torrent websites and communities known for providing verified and legitimate torrents. Avoid lesser-known or suspicious sources.
Read Comments and Reviews: Check the comments and reviews on the torrent page to see if other users have reported any issues with malware or other security concerns.
Use Antivirus Software: Ensure that you have up-to-date antivirus software installed on your device. Many antivirus programs offer real-time scanning of downloaded files, which can help detect and prevent malware infections.
Enable Safe Browsing Features: Some web browsers and antivirus programs offer safe browsing features that can warn you about potentially malicious websites or downloads. Enable these features for an additional layer of protection.
Check File Size and Format: Be cautious of unusually small file sizes or files with non-standard formats, as these could indicate that the file is malicious or corrupted.
Verify Hashes: Some torrent websites provide cryptographic hashes (such as MD5 or SHA-256) for files to verify their integrity. Before downloading a file, you can calculate its hash and compare it to the one provided on the torrent page to ensure that the file has not been tampered with.
Use Online Scanners: There are online services and tools available that allow you to scan files for malware before downloading them. These services typically use multiple antivirus engines to detect threats. Examples include VirusTotal and Jotti's malware scan.
Use a Virtual Machine: Consider downloading files in a virtual machine (VM) environment, especially if you're unsure about their safety. This can help contain any potential malware and prevent it from affecting your main operating system.
Remember that no method is foolproof, so it's essential to remain vigilant and exercise caution when downloading files from the internet, especially from untrusted sources like torrent websites.