By using a Virtual Private Server (VPS) as a proxy, you can browse the internet while keeping your IP address hidden, ensuring enhanced online privacy and security. We provide a step-by-step guide on how to turn your VPS into a proxy using PuTTY, making it easy for you to follow and implement this process.
Why Use a VPS as a Proxy?
When utilizing a VPS as a proxy, your internet traffic is funneled through the VPS, disguising your IP address and encrypting data transfers. This setup aids in:
- Enhancing Online Privacy: Protecting your browsing activities from prying eyes.
- Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Accessing region-locked content with ease.
- Secure Browsing: Safeguarding data from potential cyber threats during online navigation.
Getting Started: Requirements
Before embarking on this journey, ensure you have:
- A VPS: Deployed and accessible over the internet.
- PuTTY: A free, open-source terminal emulator to facilitate SSH connectivity. Download it from the official PuTTY website.
Step 1: Connecting to Your VPS with PuTTY
- Launch PuTTY: Initialize PuTTY and input your VPS’s IP address in the ‘Host Name (or IP address)’ field.
- Port Configuration: Ensure ‘SSH’ is selected and its default port, 22, is specified unless your setup demands a different port.
- Initiate Connection: Click ‘Open’ to establish an SSH session.
- Login: Use your VPS credentials (typically ‘root’ or another user) to log in.
Step 2: Setting Up the SSH Tunnel
- Navigate to SSH Tunnels: Within your active PuTTY session, locate the menu on the left and traverse to ‘Connection’ > ‘SSH’ > ‘Tunnels’.
- Configure Source Port: Type a source port (e.g., 8080).
- Dynamic Forwarding: Select the ‘Dynamic’ radio button and click ‘Add’.
- Return to Session: Navigate back to the ‘Session’ menu, save the current session for future ease of access, and click ‘Open’.
Step 3: Configuring Your Browser to Use the SSH Tunnel
Adjust your browser settings to use the newly-created SSH tunnel as a SOCKS proxy. The following instructions cater to the Google Chrome browser:
- Navigate to Settings: Open Chrome, click the three dots on the top-right > ‘Settings’.
- Adjust Proxy Settings: Scroll down to ‘System’ > ‘Open your computer’s proxy settings’.
- Manual Proxy Setup: Under ‘Manual proxy setup’, turn on ‘Use a proxy server’.
- Address and Port: Input ‘socks=127.0.0.1’ as the address and your chosen port (e.g., 8080) as the port.
- Save and Exit: Click ‘Save’ and exit settings.
Step 4: Enjoy Secure Browsing
With the setup complete, your browser traffic is now routed through your VPS, functioning as a secure, private tunnel for your online activities.
If you search “what’s my IP” on Google, your IP address will be shown as your VPS address.
Conclusion
Using your VPS as a proxy not only elevates your online privacy but also unlocks a new dimension of secure, unrestricted internet access. This simplified guide aims to shepherd you through each step, ensuring that you can surf the web safely and freely using your VPS as a dependable proxy.
Please note: Always adhere to ethical practices and legal regulations pertaining to internet usage and data transmission in your respective region.