December 07, 2007 by sharky
Using Software to maintain Anonymity / Anonymous Browsers
Anon Proxy
GoTrusted
JAP
Psiphon
Torpark
SSL Explorer
xB Browser
To compliment web proxies and proxy servers, a software-based approach can help automate the anonymity process. The trick is performed by setting up a SOCKS server (proxy server) that performs the bypass procedure. Not only will most programs allow you to surf the web anonymously, there’s a variety of implications that go beyond the realm of just hiding the IP address. Other useful features include:
- — Using P2P programs from behind a corporate or university firewall.
- — Sending email to recipients via programs that would otherwise be restricted.
- — Using “Messaging” software on prohibited machines.
- — Block popups, ads and spyware.
- — Remove scripts (java) and potentially dangerous activex components.
- — Encryption features, file shredding, cache emptying.
- — Erase your online tracks, history, cookies, temp files.
- — Anonymous web searching
Here are some available software titles, each offering a variety of features:
- — HTTP-Tunnel Client 4.0.3065
- — GhostSurf 2007 - perhaps the best of the group.
- — Invisible Browsing 6.5
- — Hide IP Platinum 3.43
- — Hide The IP 2.1.1
- — IP Anonymizer 3.3
- — Anonymizer Anonymous Surfing 6.1
- — Primedius WebTunnel 6.14
- — #1 Anonymous Proxy List Verifier 1.1
- — Foxy 1.3.6
All of these programs are free to try, but many are fairly expensive to upgrade to the full version (some are $50). Check your favorite P2P network to find a registered (cracked) version, or look on cracknews.com for a corresponding serial, crack or keygen.
Because most of this software relies on an in-program proxy server (or incorporated specific proxy server lists), web surfing speeds definitely vary from program to program. While some publishers claim to offer a ’seamless’ integration, user reviews (and ours) aver otherwise.
NOTE: These programs should not be used as an alternative to IP blocking software (PeerGuardian). As a rule, they can provide anonymity for web browsing but do very little (if anything) to help block bad IPs from snooping on your P2P traffic, unless they’re manually configured through the P2P application.
Our Software Recommendations:
Here are some software alternatives to those listed above. Most are completely free to use, with a few exceptions.
JAP v00.9+
FREEWARE ?
One program that stands out from the rest is JAP. This utility offers a unique approach to anonymous websurfing. Here’s a quote from their website:
Instead of connecting directly to a webserver, users take a detour, connecting with encryption through several intermediaries, so-called Mixes. JAP uses a predetermined sequence for the mixes. Such a sequence of linked mixes is called a Mix Cascade. Users can choose between different mix cascades. Since many users use these intermediaries at the same time, the internet connection of any one single user is hidden among the connections of all the other users. No one, not anyone from outside, not any of the other users, not even the provider of the intermediary service can determine which connection belongs to which user.”
Our Update:
We’ve recently noticed that JAP now launches to a pay page when trying to enable the service. The cost starts from 1€ (Euro) /2 months - still very acceptable for the service it provides.
Torpark v1.5.0.7
FREEWARE
Torpark is a free Firefox browser (extension) that runs on the Tor Network. It is simple, small and can even run from portable media (a USB card or flashdrive).
Here’s a quote from the publisher:
Torpark will launch a Tor circuit connection, which creates an encrypted tunnel from your computer indirectly to a Tor exit computer, allowing you to surf the Internet anonymously. Torpark is small, portable, clean, open-source, free of spyware/adware, and free.”
Note about Torpark: While Torpark works fine, the product development has been passed over to XeroBank (xB Browser is the new equivalent).
GoTrusted Secure Tunnel v1.4
$ 6
GoTrusted offers traffic encryption on most levels, including P2P (they say), however, in our opinion it’s not a viable substitution for using PeerGuardian/IP blocking software. But for $ 6 to purchase, it’s not a bad addition to the family of security software.
Here’s a quote from the publisher:
GoTrusted Secure Tunnel ensures safe, anonymous and censor-free Internet usage by creating a high-speed secure tunnel that encrypts your traffic (Email, Web, IM, VoIP, FTP, P2P, etc.) at any WiFi hotspot or wired network with industrial strength SSL.”
Anon Proxy Server v0.102 (release date - Dec. 2007)
FREEWARE
Anon Proxy Server is free software that provides a fast HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS caching proxy server. Features an easy web based configuration and optional P2P anonymous mode. Read the documentation here.
Psiphon v1.6
FREEWARE
Psiphon’s intention is to circumvent censorship in countries that block access to specific Internet sites (a good example of this would be China and Google). But if you don’t live in China, it’s also a great way to be anonymous while websurfing. Psiphon is software that acts as a “web proxy” and provides an encryptive buffer between you and any web site you are visiting. Not only can this work in China, but it can also perform well from behind company firewalls, government computers, libraries etc.
Our notes: While Psiphon allows access to otherwise inaccessible websites - and provides anonymity while visiting them - it is not truly anonymous. Users must relay through a Psiphon provider (someone who is hosting the routing in the Psiphon system, and it can be just about anyone in an uncensored country). It is recommended to treat this service much the same as any ‘anonymous web proxy’ service - do not send any sensitive data (online banking, purchases, etc.) through it. Anything you view can potentially be viewed by a provider of the service.
Psiphon Installation:
The setup is a little tricky.
1. Visit Psiphon and click the link on the right (download now). Download and install (file is “psiphon-1.6.msi”). After installation, run Psiphon.exe (from the Start Menu).
2. You’ll need to add yourself to the program. Click the ‘Add…’ button.
3. Enter a username and password. The ‘Full name’ and ‘E-mail’ address are not required. Click OK to close.
4. Your username should now appear on the list. Click the ‘START’ button to start the Psiphon service, and then click your link at the top, as shown below:
If you are using Internet Explorer, you may get an error message about the the site certificate. Click ‘Continue to this website’.
5. You’ll need to login to the service on the secure page with your username and password:
That’s it! Start browsing any website by typing in a link in the selected area.
Anonymous Web Browsers
Here are a couple of Web browsers that are designed to be anonymous, and incorporate anonymous attributes through the setup/installation. This is useful for anyone who wants to surf the ‘Net without having the hassles of setting up a proxy server. Note that this is not the same thing as a “proxy”; xB Browser uses the Tor network for anonymity through routing and SSL Explorer employs a VPN scheme. In both examples below, an entirely new instance of a web browser is installed, thus completely separate from the browser(s) you already have.
SSL Explorer (Community Edition)
FREEWARE
Our notes: Installation is somewhat lengthy, but a great image-based quick start PDF guide comes with the installation package. Being relatively new software, SSL Explorer is still in beta stages of development so check back often for software updates.
xB Browser v2.0.0.1
FREEWARE
The benefits of xB Browser is that it allows you to securely and anonymously surf the Internet, bypass firewalls and website censorship. For enhanced privacy, xB Browser clears history of browsing and deletes cookies when you close the browser. It’s portable as well - put it on a USB stick so you can take it to work, school, or on vacation. Runs through the Tor network.
Our Notes: xB Browser is a snap to set up and use! It installs a new instance of Firefox (which runs separately) so you’ll have to import all your bookmarks. Also note that xB Browser does not require the installation of Tor (or Privoxy), and if you DO have Tor installed on the system, it does not need to be running.
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