Torrenting is great if you want access to unlimited content in a peer to peer paradigm. You literally get access to content you can’t get anywhere ranging from movies, documentaries, images, books, etc. Well, before you use torrent platforms you need to protect your privacy and this is where a torrenting VPN comes in. One of the VPNs that promises excellent torrenting services is the HideMyAss VPN. But, is HideMyAss VPN really good for torrenting?
What to Look For in a Torrent VPN
For starters, accessing copyright content through torrenting is illegal in most countries. Yes, it can get you in jail plus most of the platforms are often a playground for cybercriminals looking for easy prey. The solution? You can always hide your identity using a strong VPN but yet again you need to ensure that the VPN you use has a zero-logs policy. In other words, the VPN should pass your torrent traffic through their servers without storing your private information.
This is the most important feature but there are other important features you should also keep an eye including:
- Torrenting Server Options: You want to use a VPN with a good selection of servers. Most will actually allow only torrenting on a few servers but pick a VPN with more torrenting servers.
- Speed: This is also important in terms of servers as you want to download torrents faster.
- Kill-Switch: This is a feature that kills internet connectivity to your device should your VPN disconnect. It is important in ensuring your real IP doesn’t leak when using torrent platforms.
- Stealth Mode: Some networks will block VPN traffic using a firewall. It is common in school, work and other organization related networks. In this case, you will need a VPN that can pass your VPN traffic undetected.
Should You Use HideMyAss VPN For Torrenting?
Now that you know a thing or two about picking the VPN for torrents, let’s get back to the HideMyAss and torrenting question. Is it really a good choice for torrents? Well, it has tons of marvelous VPN features but it fails on one core requirement. It logs your data when you use them.
A keen look at HideMyAss logging policy and you will notice they log the following:
- Your user details
- Connection timestamps
- The amount of data you transmit
- You own IP Address and the address of the server you connect to when torrenting.
Sounds harmless but it actually means a lot to your privacy when accessing torrent sites. A very good illustration of how dangerous this can be is what has come to be known as the Lulzsec Fiasco. In 2011 the FB arrested, Cody Kretsinger, then a member of Lulzsec in relation to the hacking of Sony Playstation network. It turns out that HideMyAss had a hand in the arrest as they were compelled by a UK court order to hand over log details related to the hacking incident.
This story serves to show that HideMyAss and frankly many other VPNs do log your browsing history and personal data. This means that you should be very careful choosing a torrenting VPN and you should not use VPN to undertake illegal activity online. It might be traced back to you!
Best Alternative VPNs for You
- Provider
- User Rating
- Price
NordVPN- 14827 Votes
- $3.29 / month
PureVPN- 7715 Votes
- $3.24 / month
ExpressVPN- 6930 Votes
- $6.67 /mo
Conclusion
In a nutshell, HideMyAss VPN is not a good choice for torrenting due to the logging policies. We suggest you use a stronger VPN with real zero-logs policy to secure your identity online.
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