Using SSH as a SOCKS proxy

Recently I have been looking into buying some secure VPN for myself, in case I ever wanted to browse the net securely.

To do this completely anonymously, you would need to buy a secure vpn connection, this starts from around $30 per month. I am not sure about the speed though and reliability.

There is an easier way if you have your own server somewhere, although ultimately it can be traced back to you if the server is on your name.

Very simple, use SSH to log into your server, but use this command:

ssh -D 9999 username@yourserver.com

Now, just enter localhost into your SOCKS proxy server field in firefox, and set the port to 9999. You are now browsing the net securely!

You can also do this for email, but you need to set up the SOCKS proxy in every application.

Pete

Director of Renegade Games. Loves to make money, but has to have fun while doing it. None of that boring banking stuff. Wants to have a big company, employ lots of people and windsurf every day.

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