Today’s pirates have more to watch out for than viruses and bad files. Now they have to watch out for the corporate crusaders trying to stop them.

In this guide I will break down and give out information to protect you from being caught and keep you safe from the prying eyes of “the man”.

Contents.

Part 1. How do they catch you?
Part 2. How to keep you safe.
Proxies
VPN
Seedboxes
Other Programs
Avoiding new torrents
Part 3. What to do if you get caught?
Part 4. Notes and FAQ.

Before I get started I want to state that there is no 100% guaranteed way to keep you safe other than, not doing it. Anything you read here is just ways to boost the safety. Anyone tells you a 100% way to keep you safe, are basically bsing you.

The information given is also my opinion and experienced based.



They catch you a few ways, but in reality as soon as you connect out to peers you are susceptible to being caught.

The RIAA, MPAA and other industries hire out to other companies that solely work in catching pirates. These firms do nothing but watch torrents and log IP’s.

When they watch a certain torrent, all the IP’s that resolve when connecting are indexed for the next step.

Those IP’s are then traced back to their ISP’s(which is pretty easy to do, so much so anyone can do it).

Then a letter is sent out to the ISP with your IP, date time of download, file info and some other info. It is then up to your ISP to deal with that info. Since your ISP logs what IP goes to what account, they can put a name to the IP.

After they place a name/account to the IP, they either send out a letter or don’t. Most do send them out.



Proxies - A proxy or proxy server is basically another computer which serves as a hub through which internet requests are processed.(info from http://www.whatismyip.com)

To setup a proxy here is a very good guide that was created by a KAT member.
How to Setup a Proxy with UTorrent Client created by - Prairi3DoG32795

VPN – Virtual Private Network is a method used to add security and privacy to private and public networks. Privacy is increased with a VPN because the user’s initial IP address is replaced with one from the VPN provider. This method allows subscribers to attain an IP address from any gateway city the VPN service provides.(info from http://www.whatismyip.com)

VPN services that are torrent friendly -
http://btguard.com/
http://www.cyberghostvpn.com
http://torguard.net/
http://www.ibvpn.com/
http://www.privateinternetaccess.com
http://www.vpn4all.com/
http://www.ipvanish.com/
http://www.hotspotshield.com/ -

Seedboxes - A Seedbox is a remote computer and the torrents are downloaded onto it not yours. To get your torrent onto your computer, simply use an FTP connection.(info from http://seedboxgui.de)

Seedbox host list - http://seedboxgui.de/seedbox/ - Not the only list but a good list to start with.

Other Programs – These are programs that you use to accompany others. They are better used alongside than standalone.

Check My Torrent IP –Not really a program but a site that checks to see if your VPN or proxy are working properly. You download the torrent file and start your client with your VPN or proxy going. Wait a bit then refresh your browser until info shows up. If it works your IP that shows up should not be your actual IP. - http://www.checkmytorrentip.com/

Peerblock - A program that uses created IP lists to block out IP. - http://www.peerblock.com/

Peerblock IP List - http://www.iblocklist.com/lists.php You can also search online for other lists.

VPNCheck - A program that when your VPN crashes or shuts off with turn off programs that use the network or even shutoff the network. Has other functions as well. http://www.guavi.com/vpncheck_free.html

Avoiding new torrents – One of the simplest things to do is to not download the latest torrent of anything. Waiting a week or more can actually keep you from getting caught. Since most times they are using newer torrents to catch the greatest number of pirates. This however isn’t always the case as people have been caught for things that have been out for years.

As with anything always do research. Learn about what you're looking for and what it's really for. The most common mistake is that users don't really know what these things are meant to do and capable to do.

When looking for a VPN or seedbox research, research, research. If you're going to put money into something make sure it's what you want.



Not really much you can do if you get caught. Playing dumb is the easiest way and is pretty useful. Most times you can get a few of the letters erased just by saying your wifi isn’t secure.

Another thing to do is ignore the letters. This method is pointless to the effect, they have you red handed, regardless if you acknowledge it or not. Remember your IP is linked to your account and they keep logs of who had that IP for at least 5 years.

Change ISP's. If you keep getting caught regardless of what you do switching ISP's may be the best solution. Some ISP's can care less about what you do. Some care, but not that much.

Check here if your ISP is participating in the "Six Strikes" and other great info about it. http://readwrite.com/2013/03/12/isp-six-strikes-anti-piracy-system-infographic


Last but not least, if you get caught refer to this thread to put some safety in your life.



Q. Can a VPN slow down my internet speeds?
A. Yes. Depending on the host and what they offer it can be a significant decrease or not much at all.

Q. Do letters carry over from one ISP to another?
A. No. Letters are only for the IP your ISP holds.

If possible can this get pinned.

Please stop giving out bad info.
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For one using a Dynamic IP will still get you caught. All ISP keep records of what IP you use. If your ISP only usues static IP's you can't use a dynamic. Either way they have records. Most keep them for years.
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Free proxies work great. I use one and haven't been caught sense. If you set it up right and pay attention it's spot on. Never has speed issues with the proxy. It takes a bit longer to connect, but speeds are the same as a non-proxied connection.
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Formatting your PC is pretty useless. Since your mac can't be changed and they do have that as well. Plus why do that when they don't see what you have. Just move the file or rename it if your worried.
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Playing stupid works to a point. After a few times it doesn't work. At most they'll ban you off their network and possibly the backbone as well. Which means in some cases you can't go to any services in the area. As a former ISP I've seen this one and it's hilarious.

Yeah that would be insane. Could you imagine the sales of those two being around in this era? Wow

Every game on the xbox can be played on the PS3, hmm.
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Halo, Forza, Gears of War are just a few but there is a large list of exclusive 360 titles.

The best part of any console release day.

This same sentiment was said when the 360 came out. Look what happened then. 360 dominated the PS3 in market share.
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How is the new xbox hardly a step up from the 360?
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Aside from my views, I'm still not excited for either. At least not until they've been out for a while.

It's honestly a lopsided debate due to Television and Media then compared to now. Elvis only had radio and very limited TV to get him exposed. MJ had radio, tv, internet to get him exposed.
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It's like comparing cars of the early 1900's to todays cars. Every things different.

I wouldn't say no more letter. A better chance to not get them, but never %100.

Cleaning out the garage. My died had filled it up with stuff. Some good, some bad. He died 5 years ago and I didn't have the heart to touch it. Got the heart so I'm gonna get a roll-off dumpster and clean it. Hang cabinets and make it look like a mans garage.
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Fiz the bathroom in the house. New sink, toilet, ceiling re done and new paint.
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Paint the kitchen and redo cabinets.
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Til part of the yard for poppy's, flowers and bamboo i'm planting.



Funny you're doing exactly what I'm doing with mine.

What they really need to do is make one after Tokyo Drift.