Using SSH as a proxy - SSH tunneling
Some basic information
What is SSH?
- SSH stands for "Secure Shell". It's primarly used on Unix-like systems. SSH is a replacement for TELNET, due to its flaws. As a result, SSH uses encryption. It is a secure way of exchanging data between remote hosts.
It's only a remote administration software, per se?
- It is, although we can still use the remote host as a proxy. It depends on the shell account and what limitations it may have, though. We must have an account that permits SSH tunneling. If it doesn't support it, then don't bother using it.
Does it support my operating system?
SSH works on Mac, UNIX and Windows operating systems. On Windows we must install a terminal-emulator, which I'll explain later on.
Okay, time to start the tutorial
First we need to find a free shell account. We could use a paid one (as little as 1$ these days), but let's stick with free.
You can find free shell accounts here.
For this instance I chose Shellmix.
Shellmix is unique. Most shell providers you don't have to use a different port than 22. In this case we have to use port 30 when connecting to create an account.
To connect to Shellmix's servers, we need to use PuTTY or other terminals.
Download PuTTY: PuTTY Download Page
For users on Ubuntu: sudo apt-get install PuTTY
Install PuTTY and launch it.
As we start up PuTTY, we will be on the session tab. That's where we want to be.
In Host Name you put: shellmix.com
Port number: 30
Click on open. We will now be connecting to shellmix.com and registering a free SSH account.
Login as "newuser" without the quotation marks. Likewise, password is "newuser" . Remember: no quotation marks!
We've now come to the registration part. Enter a login name. Any username. After that, you enter a password of your own. When you're done, close the connection.
Configuring an SSH tunnel
You've managed to register an account and install PuTTY. Well done! Now's the time to configure an SSH tunnel.
Launch PuTTY. Expand the SSH tab. Click on Tunnels.
In source port you can choose whatever port. In this example, we'll use port 1234.
Click on Dynamic and click on Add
Go back to Session. In Host Name: shellmix.com Port: 22
In Saved Sessions, name it "Shellmix.com SSH tunnel" and click Save.
We're now ready to use our proxy!
Using the SSH tunnel
The SSH tunnel can be used for various things. We can use it as an IRC proxy and so forth. There are lots of possibilities. In this tutorial, we'll stick with using it in FireFox.
Detailed method:
Launch FireFox. Click on Tools, scroll down to Options. Find the Advanced tab and click on it.
Now we will click on Network. Click on Settings.
A new window will pop up.
Click on Manual proxy configuration.
Go down to SOCKS Host.
In SOCKS host you enter 127.0.0.1
In Port you enter 1234
Now, remember the port should be the same one you chose in PuTTY. In this tutorial, we used 1234. If you picked another port, then that's the one you should put there.
Quick way:
1. Firefox: Tools / Options / Advanced
2. Click on Settings under Connection
3. Values: SOCKS host: 127.0.0.1 and Port: 1234
Finally done!
If you did it right, you should now have a new IP. Check if you have a new IP here.
FAQ
