Only download torrents from reputable sites to avoid malware.
A file is a small metadata file that contains instructions for a BitTorrent client (like qBittorrent ) to download larger content, such as software, videos, or documents, from multiple users simultaneously. Key Details About Torrent Files
When you use this file, your computer connects to a "swarm" of other users to gather small segments of the data from multiple sources. Security Advice:
3 Easy Ways to Open a Torrent File: PC, Mac, Android & iPhone - wikiHow
It is often recommended to use a VPN while torrenting, as your IP address is visible to others in the swarm.