Due to a significant security flaw in uTorrent that could result in harm to both the site and our users, we are blacklisting uTorrent 3.x until they release a properly fixed version. Previous uTorrent versions (2.0.4, 2.1.x and 2.2.x) are not affected in the same way, and for now are still on the whitelist, though we may revisit the issue in future if more exploits are found.

The security flaw could allow a remote website or another person to download items to your computer in the background, without your knowledge, including executable files. Additionally, personal information (including peer lists, passkeys, etc...) could be taken from the client, endangering BTN and its users. Due to this, we feel strongly that we need to ban uTorrent 3.x to protect BTN and our members.

While 2.x is not affected in the same way from what we have been able to determine, as a precaution, all users of 2.x clients should still go to their Advanced settings and set "net.discoverable" to false, then restart the client (see image for example). Instructions will also be sent out to all users of uTorrent 2.x in the coming days on how to do this, in case anyone does not see this notice.

We also implore any uTorrent 3.x users to not only stop using uTorrent 3.x on BTN, but to remove it from their computers completely and either downgrade to a 2.x version, or find a different whitelisted client. The client needs only to be running for someone to be able to exploit your computer, and they can do this with code running in the background of any website. The risk is severe and it's imperative that you protect yourselves.

Stay safe everyone!