The popular BitTorrent software is available for free download, but web users have discovered that they downloaded the software that uses their computer resources without their knowledge
The uTorrent popular BitTorrent software has helped millions to watch countless favorite free movies and shows, but now it turns out there is a hidden price for using the software. The Trusted Reviews site found that uTorrent recently installed the Epic Scale, a software program that utilizes the computer's resources to cut down a Litecoin-Crypto-currency like Bitcoin.
Epic Scale's website assures that "your computer has the power to change the world," and calls on users to download the software to "unleash its potential." The idea of distributed computing, or using the resources of many computers connected to the network to help solve scientific and other problems, is an old one.
Mining is the way that new crypto-coins are created, cyclically. The computers that deal with this solve a complex algorithmic equation, by which all the money transfers are managed in the crypto system. These actions also produce the new coins, which are given to whoever breaks the equation in the same cycle.
But because of the increase in the popularity of Bitcoin and similar currencies, the business became increasingly complicated, and a technological arms race was created in which people created powerful and highly adapted computers for mining. At a certain point it turned out that this was not enough, and various people in the Bitcoin community began working in mining groups, . And this is where Epic Scale's software comes in - because the ability to use the resources of millions of computers (even if they are not) can give it a significant advantage in mining.
The use of distributed computing for crypto-coin mining is also present in hackers who use botnets - computer networks of unsuspecting users they control.
And the company does mention that it works with organizations such as WaterisLife and Immunity, but the fact that it uses computing power to cut crypto coins is seen as problematic. In addition, the Trusted Reviews have criticized the installation of the software.
In fact, users complained to uTorrent forums that they discovered the software by accident, and they did not even know they installed it. According to them, they did not approve the installation.
BitTorrent, the parent of utorrent, has told The Verge in response that users can choose not to install Epic Scale in the process. However, the Trusted Reviews said it was confusing. Unlike some previous elements in the installation process (the ninth step out of 10), where V can be selected, here is the option to accept or reject (Accept or Decline). This representation may cause users to actually give up the entire installation.
BitTorrent also said that they "carefully examined the matter and can confirm that no hidden installation is being carried out ... there is a high probability that these users have agreed to the offer during the installation."
Epic Scale responded to the report on the site and explained that the company "believes in voluntary opt-in distribution, and we are very disappointed to find that users had problems removing Epic Scale because our mission is to help people." They added a link to the removal and explained that the purpose of the mining was to support various charities and researchers.
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