Proxy servers?

I’m in the beginning stages of considering a proxy server in order to be as net anonymous as possible…the Auditmypc tests opened my eyes to this personal info leak.

Can someone recommend (especially free) proxy servers?

Filed Under: Computer Security

Comments

  1. kampretable says:
    January 21, 2008 at 8:51 am

    hi quartet87

    in my opinion, anonymous surfing isn’t really as important as safe surfing. But if you really want to do anonymous surfing, i think you should consider using paid proxy server. Why? Because free proxy servers usually die so quickly (too many people abuse their service). Of course there are many sites with proxy list available (one of them – with relatively good list and services – is proxy-list.org), but think about this: you will need to reconfigure your proxy server address in your internet connection frequently (the dead proxy address must be change with the new working address). If you are willing to sacrifice your time in doing address reconfiguring, then you can choose free proxy server. But if you think you don’t want to waste your time with address reconfiguring, then choose a paid server.

    i hope it can help you

    best regards

  2. quartet87 says:
    January 22, 2008 at 8:52 am

    Thanks, kamp.

    That’s what I was thinking…those free server sites may be too undependable…I tried one out on a few pages and the task quickly became a pain.

    I’m going to purchase a router to act as a hardware firewall, in addition to my software version, on top of the usual suite of ant-malware.

    Would that configuration make for safest surfing, more or less?

  3. kampretable says:
    January 25, 2008 at 8:52 am

    hi quartet87

    Using a hardware firewall will surely give you much more protection – high above the average. Will it make for the safest surfing? Yes, but I’m not sure whether we can achieve the 100% level of safety. I think other people will have better and more specific answers than mine.

  4. quartet87 says:
    January 29, 2008 at 8:52 am

    Well I’m not expecting 100% safe surfing, but more secure than most others and , to be sure, more secure than I am now with my well-known fee-based subscription AV and software firewall. My current subscription is will expire next month and I’m planning to let it slide, purchase a router to act as a hardware firewall, then load up on a suite of free security apps i.e. Comodo software firewall, Antivir AV, Spyblaster, Spyguard, and good old Adaware.

    I’m thinking with a set up like that (the router a one time cost of around $50, as much as another 12 months of pay-for AV) I’ll be as secure as I am now and probably more so, and much less cost in the long run.

  5. bgculler says:
    March 6, 2008 at 8:32 am

    I have a site that accepts comments from users. Apparently I have one user who submits a constant stream of SPAM comments. The problem is, the originating IP addresses changes with each submission.

    I am assuming that this user is hiding behind a proxy to hide the real location.

    My comments area is open to the public. No login is required, but an approval is needed (by me) before the comments are displayed. My web server captures the IP address, but as I mentioned above I believe it is a proxy address. I know it is the same user because its the same ‘username’ on each post.

    I have blocked all the IP addresses used previously, but the user keeps coming back with new IP addresses.

    My question is:

    Is there a way I can determine the users real IP address, instead of the proxy address?

    Thanks for any help

  6. AMPC says:
    March 6, 2008 at 8:52 am

    Yup, sure is, a number of ways ranging from free to paid for.

    Tell me more about your setup and I can give you more selections, such as, are you using wordpress or your own comment form? ASP, PHP, CFM, etc?

    We’ll put a stop to that little pest

  7. snowman9 says:
    April 26, 2008 at 8:52 am

    "I’m in the beginning stages of considering a proxy server in order to be as net anonymous as possible…the Auditmypc tests opened my eyes to this personal info leak.

    Can someone recommend (especially free) proxy servers?"

    Hi,

    Google JAP and you may find what you are looking for.
    I have incorporated this into my surfing whilst doing research for a university assignment on privacy in cyberspace.
    It passes all anonymity tests that I can find.
    It is free and has the option of paid surfing when faster speeds are required.
    Its also portable.

    Cheers.

  8. AMPC says:
    April 28, 2008 at 8:52 am

    You can get a 1and1 account for about $5 per month and host your own anonymous proxy. 1and1 has a special right now for $4.99 per month hosting with the first 3 months free!

    You get the hosting account, then install the free anonymous proxy software and password protect the site. Only you or those you give the password can use the proxy, your information will be hidden (including IP address) and you’ll rest well at night knowing your data is not being sent to a third party!

    If you want detail instructions on this, let me know.

    Best regards,

    Jim.

  9. markah says:
    July 26, 2008 at 8:52 am

    Hi Jim,

    I’m trying to use my 1and1 account (vitual hosting) as a proxy server with secure access via a client like Putty. You offered to provide details on how this can be done. Can you assist?

    Regards

    Mark AH

  10. iknowz says:
    August 11, 2008 at 7:52 am

    OK my question is this dont most of the larger sites block the most of the pay per use proxy sites? So what is the point of paying for the proxy if they block it?

  11. AMPC says:
    August 11, 2008 at 8:52 am

    Hi Miles,

    The big pay per use proxy sites will likely have multiple IP addresses to choose from which makes it hard for someone (organizations) to block.

    Hope that helps.

    Jim.

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