Privacy/security?

[wayland1985]

I’m thinking about backing up all of my documents by using a scanner. I just have so much paper laying around, I feel that it would be nicer to have it all backed up on my computer.

But, I also use the computer for work. Recently, due to Covid, we started using torrents to share files.

Something about having a program that gives people a back door entrance to my computer 24 hours a day screams unsafe.

Would a separate personal account on my Mac prevent access to those files?

 

[Airforcekid]

Torrenting seems like a weird way to share work files but I can see some use cases for very large files. This might be overkill but its what I would do. Step one download and run Malwarebytes at least once a week or if you can afford it go for the premium version this will check for any malware etc that sneaks onto your system. Step two get a program like Little Snitch to block the torrent application from running when not needed and watch network traffic for any weird activity. Step 3 switch to a secure DNS my go to is Cloudflares 1.1.1.2 and 1.0.0.2 that way any malware that gets by to this point may not be able to communicate back to the author until discovered by you.Step 4 encrypt your files and delete the originals on the machine that way if they are stolen they still need the key to unlock and view them. Separate accounts for work and personnel use (Non Admin) are good ideas but I wouldn't rely on it to protect my data alone.

EDIT: I also reccomend a different web browser for work and your own use Firefox with Ublock Orgin and HTTPS Everywhere or Brave are my general go tos.

EDIT2: Another idea if your computer has the power set up a virtual box/vmware Linux or Windows environment for work or if your internet can handle it go with a cloud PC for work. I use ShadowPC without any issues for $12 a month with either of those your completely separate

 

[Honza1]

Weird way to share work file indeed. Especially, when on line storage services (Box, Dropbox, and all alternatives) are better, safer, and more robust.
Principally, torrenting while sharing files ONLY with known group of users should be safe.
However, personally I would never share files using torrenting on business computer. I would setup dedicated computer or NAS and use that. Synology NAS has Download station which can do torrents. Any old piece of hardware can run torrent client. You could probably even build Raspberry Pi which would work as torrent client. All of these can download file and drop it where you want it on home network without opening business computer to the world...
However, nothing will protect you if you use any client to download dangerous garbage through torrents. And that is my biggest worry. Can you be sure your torrented files are safe and only from those whom you trust?