A SOCKS proxy can be useful if you ever find yourself in front of a shared computer that is linked to the Internet and are concerned about the security of the connection to a website you want to view.
With SOCKS proxies, you may typically command another machine to establish a connection on your behalf by transparently "bouncing" a TCP connection off of another server. It can create an encrypted tunnel that protects you from anyone attempting to intercept your traffic when used in conjunction with Secure Shell (SSH).
An easy step-by-step guide on how to do this is provided below.
You will require:
SSH client PuTTY http://www.putty.org
An SSH connection-accepting account with connection forwarding on a server with Internet connectivity (enabled by default)
-A well-known web browser or other SOCKS-compatible software.
Step 1.Start Putty and go to the Session Category.
Step 2: Type the server's hostname, IP address, and port into the appropriate fields.
(Note: Port 22 is the standard SSH port.)
This instructs Putty on how to access the SSH server.
Step 3: Type the following under the SSH->Tunnels Category:
8888 (or another port of your choice) is the source port. Just make sure you can recall what it is.)
Destination: The server's hostname and IP address where you have an account.
Choose the "Dynamic" radio button as well.
This instructs Putty to open a SOCKS tunnel from a port on the PC you're using to the SSH server after a successful connection.
Step 4: select "Add"
The connection settings now include the forwarded port.
Step 5: To begin the connection, click "Open."
Putty will request your login information. The majority of the time, this is going to be a username. At this point, your Putty-enabled SOCKS proxy ought to be operational. But how do we put it to the test? Continue reading..
Step 6: Open your web browser and go to the menu for the proxy connection settings.
It may be found in Firefox 3's Tools, Options, Advanced, Network(tab), Connection, Settings.
Step 7: Locate the text box for SOCKS settings and type the following:
Proxy Address/Host: 127.0.0.1 OR localhost.
Port: 8888 (or whatever port you selected to use in Step 3) (or whatever port you decided to use in Step 3)
Ensure SOCKS Version 4 is chosen; otherwise, it may not function properly.)
Step 8: Click "OK" to return to your browser.
Enter your IP address at http://ipchicken.com to verify it. It need to be distinct from the computer you're using. In actuality, the IP address of the SSH server (or the machine managing its connections) SHOULD be used.
Step 9: Congratulate yourself. Alternately, ask your friends to help you out; they'll be amazed by your improved computer skills. Enjoy utilising your personal SSH proxy to browse the internet.
NOTE: Although this might be helpful when using a public computer, it won't stop you from utilising untrusted machines without doing your due diligence.
With SOCKS proxies, you may typically command another machine to establish a connection on your behalf by transparently "bouncing" a TCP connection off of another server. It can create an encrypted tunnel that protects you from anyone attempting to intercept your traffic when used in conjunction with Secure Shell (SSH).
An easy step-by-step guide on how to do this is provided below.
You will require:
SSH client PuTTY http://www.putty.org
An SSH connection-accepting account with connection forwarding on a server with Internet connectivity (enabled by default)
-A well-known web browser or other SOCKS-compatible software.
Step 1.Start Putty and go to the Session Category.
Step 2: Type the server's hostname, IP address, and port into the appropriate fields.
(Note: Port 22 is the standard SSH port.)
This instructs Putty on how to access the SSH server.
Step 3: Type the following under the SSH->Tunnels Category:
8888 (or another port of your choice) is the source port. Just make sure you can recall what it is.)
Destination: The server's hostname and IP address where you have an account.
Choose the "Dynamic" radio button as well.
This instructs Putty to open a SOCKS tunnel from a port on the PC you're using to the SSH server after a successful connection.
Step 4: select "Add"
The connection settings now include the forwarded port.
Step 5: To begin the connection, click "Open."
Putty will request your login information. The majority of the time, this is going to be a username. At this point, your Putty-enabled SOCKS proxy ought to be operational. But how do we put it to the test? Continue reading..
Step 6: Open your web browser and go to the menu for the proxy connection settings.
It may be found in Firefox 3's Tools, Options, Advanced, Network(tab), Connection, Settings.
Step 7: Locate the text box for SOCKS settings and type the following:
Proxy Address/Host: 127.0.0.1 OR localhost.
Port: 8888 (or whatever port you selected to use in Step 3) (or whatever port you decided to use in Step 3)
Ensure SOCKS Version 4 is chosen; otherwise, it may not function properly.)
Step 8: Click "OK" to return to your browser.
Enter your IP address at http://ipchicken.com to verify it. It need to be distinct from the computer you're using. In actuality, the IP address of the SSH server (or the machine managing its connections) SHOULD be used.
Step 9: Congratulate yourself. Alternately, ask your friends to help you out; they'll be amazed by your improved computer skills. Enjoy utilising your personal SSH proxy to browse the internet.
NOTE: Although this might be helpful when using a public computer, it won't stop you from utilising untrusted machines without doing your due diligence.